PTC News Desk: A bizarre twist emerged in the Haryana vote theft controversy after Rahul Gandhi displayed a photo of Brazilian model during a press conference and flagged voter irregularities, claiming it appeared 22 times on the Haryana electoral rolls.
The Brazilian model and influencer identified as Larissa has since reacted with a surprise, saying that the picture was an old stock photo from her early modelling days and clarified that she was no longer a model.
“I have absolutely nothing to do with politics in India. My photo was purchased from a stock image platform and used without my involvement. It’s not me, I’ve never even been to India,” she clarified in a video, adding, “I’m a Brazilian digital influencer and a hairdresser, and I love the Indian people.”
She further revealed that netizens especially from India thronged her comment section in instagram after her image went viral following Rahul Gandhi’s mention during a presser. Many were trying to learn more about her identity.
“Welcome, my Indian followers, to my Instagram! It seems I’ve gained many Indian followers now. People were commenting on my photos as if I was elected! Just to be clear, it wasn’t me, it was only my photo,” she asserted.
“But I truly appreciate the kindness of all the Indians who are viewing my stories, sharing them with Indian media, and translating them. I don’t know your language, but I am genuinely grateful,” the former model said, and added that she did not even look Indian.
In another video, Larissa revealed that Indian journalists had been trying to reach her for comments on her image being used.
“A bunch of Indian journalists are looking for me, wanting interviews. I’ve responded, saying that I’m the so-called ‘mysterious Brazilian model’ — but I’m not even a model,” she emphasised.
Earlier on Wednesday, Congress leader showcased slides highlighting alleged irregularities in voter lists, including one striking example — a Brazilian model’s photograph reportedly appearing multiple times under different names such as Seema, Sweety, and Saraswati, allegedly to enable 22 fraudulent votes. Gandhi accused the BJP of running a “well-planned operation” to undermine the democratic process.
