"I feel very sad as I speak to the media. I feel sad that politics has stooped so low in the country," Atishi said.

"When Gambhir joined politics, I told him that good people are important for politics. But he and his party have shown how low they can go," she said, referring to pamphlets circulated with newspapers in the constituency.

"I am not in politics for money or fame," said Atishi, who has played a key role in reshaping the school education system in the capital.

Atishi became emotional and broke down. "If Gambhir can stoop so low to defeat a strong woman like me, how can he ensure security for women as an MP?"

Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia added: "Gautam Gambhir circulated derogatory pamphlets about Atishi in East Delhi. The language in this pamphlet is so abusive that anybody who reads it will feel ashamed."

He said when Gambhir played cricket for India, the nation clapped for him.

"But we never in our worst dream thought that this man would stoop this low to win an election," Sisodia added.

AAP East Delhi LS seat candidate Atishi breaks down during a press conference alleging BJP's Gautam Gambhir of distributing pamphlets with derogatory remarks against her says,"They've shown how low they can stoop.Pamphlet states that 'she is very good example of a mixed breed'." pic.twitter.com/z14MXXh574

— ANI (@ANI) May 9, 2019