Who's the Brazilian Model at Rahul Gandhi's 'Vote Chori' Press Conference? She Says 'My Photo Was Purchased'

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's recent press conference on alleged voter fraud in Haryana took an unexpected turn after a Brazilian woman identified as Larissa found herself at the centre of the controversy.

Gandhi had displayed her photograph as evidence of fake voter entries, claiming the image appeared 22 times across Haryana's electoral rolls.

Larissa Says Her Image Was Bought from Stock Site

Reacting to the incident, Larissa clarified that the photograph used by Gandhi was an old modelling image purchased legally from a stock image website. She emphasized that she had no political connection to India and had never even visited the country.

"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 said in a video message.

Larissa, who now works as a digital influencer and hairdresser, added, "I'm a Brazilian digital influencer and a hairdresser, and I love the Indian people."

She humorously addressed her sudden popularity among Indian social media users, saying, "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."

'I Thought I Looked Mexican,' Says Larissa

In another clip, Larissa thanked Indian followers for their kindness and engagement on her social media. "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," she said.

When asked about her resemblance to Indian women, she playfully remarked, "I did not even look Indian. I thought I looked Mexican."

She also revealed that several Indian journalists were trying to contact her for interviews. "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 said.

On a lighter note, Larissa joked that she would start learning some Indian words. "I only know 'Namaste.' I don't know any other words yet, but I'll have to learn a few. I'll use them in my next video - soon, I'll be famous in India."

Rahul Gandhi's Vote Theft Claims

At his Wednesday press conference, Rahul Gandhi reiterated his allegations that the 2024 Haryana Assembly elections were "stolen." He accused the Election Commission of colluding with the BJP and claimed that over 25 lakh entries in the electoral rolls were fake.

In his presentation titled "H-Files," Gandhi alleged that a centralised plan was executed using Larissa's stock image 22 times across 10 booths in the Rai Assembly constituency, under names like "Seema," "Sweety," and "Saraswati."

"There was no election in Haryana. There was a theft (of elections) and it is very clear who is responsible," Gandhi stated.

EC and BJP Dismiss Allegations

Officials from the Election Commission dismissed Gandhi's claims, saying no appeals had been filed against Haryana's electoral rolls. They also questioned how Gandhi could assert that any duplicate voters had necessarily supported the BJP.

The BJP, meanwhile, termed the allegations "false and baseless," accusing the Congress leader of attempting to discredit the Election Commission and divert attention from his own political failures.