Brazilian model Larissa reacts to Rahul Gandhi’s allegations
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New Delhi: Brazilian woman Larissa has reacted with surprise after Congress leader Rahul Gandhi claimed that her image had been used 22 times in the Haryana voter list. Rahul had alleged that the same photo appeared under different names, such as Seema, Sweety, Saraswati, Rashmi and Vilma, and that 22 votes were cast across 10 polling booths.
In response, Larissa clarified in a video that the picture in question 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, adding that she was no longer a model. “I’m a Brazilian digital influencer and a hairdresser, and I love the Indian people.”
Larissa said she was shocked that her image had been misused in India’s elections and revealed that her Instagram account was flooded with messages from Indian users after the controversy broke. “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 said.
Expressing gratitude, she added, “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.” On a lighter note, she said she didn’t even look Indian. “I thought I looked Mexican,” she quipped.
In another video, Larissa mentioned that several Indian journalists had reached out 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.
Meanwhile, Rahul Gandhi’s claim that about 2.5 million votes were allegedly rigged in the Haryana Assembly election has triggered widespread debate on social media, with many discussions focusing on the alleged misuse of the Brazilian model’s photo.