'I've never been...': Brazil model from Rahul Gandhi's presser responds
What's the story
Congress MP Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of "stealing" the 2024 Haryana Assembly elections. He alleged that 25 lakh entries in Haryana's voter list were fake and that the Election Commission colluded with the BJP to ensure their victory. Citing an example, he displayed a photo of a Brazilian model, claiming it was used 22 times on Haryana's electoral rolls at a press conference. The woman in the photo, identified as Larissa, has now responded.
Model's response
Larissa clarifies she has nothing to do with India
The woman said she was surprised by the claims, clarifying that the image was an old stock photo from her early modelling days. "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. "I'm a Brazilian digital influencer and a hairdresser, and I love the Indian people."
Online attention
She welcomed her new Indian followers on Instagram
Larissa also revealed that her Instagram was flooded with comments from Indians after her image went viral after Gandhi's presser. "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 clarified yet again.
Cultural curiosity
I'll learn Indian words, says Larissa
In another video, Larissa said that Indian journalists had attempted to contact her for comment on her photograph being used. "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 said she would learn some Indian words to increase her popularity. "I only know 'Namaste.' I don't know any other words yet, but I'll have to learn a few," she joked.