Ahead of Bihar Assembly polls, Rahul Gandhi renewed allegations against the BJP’s 2024 Haryana election. He claimed over 25 lakh electoral entries were fake and rigged to favor the ruling party. At a press conference, Gandhi displayed a photograph of Brazilian model Larissa as evidence. He alleged her image appeared 22 times on electoral rolls, assigned different names like Seema. Gandhi called it part of a “centralized plan” that undermined democracy and misled voters. Larissa reacted with surprise, clarifying her photo was an old stock image from Brazil. She said she has never visited India and has no involvement in Indian politics.
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Rahul Gandhi Alleges Fake Voters Using Model’s Photo in Haryana Polls
“I’m a digital influencer and hairdresser, not a model anymore,” she explained in a video. Her Instagram flooded with Indian followers after the press conference went viral online. Larissa appreciated Indian kindness but emphasized she had no connection to elections or politics. She mentioned Indian journalists contacted her for interviews, which she politely refused. Larissa humorously said she thought she looked Mexican and only knew the word “Namaste.” She plans to learn some Indian words to engage with her new online audience. Larissa’s clarification helped reduce confusion caused by Gandhi’s claims during the controversy. Her lighthearted statements added humor to the politically charged situation in India.
Gandhi alleged Larissa’s photo was used repeatedly with fake names across Haryana booths. He claimed duplicate, invalid, and bulk voter entries helped the BJP secure an unfair win. Gandhi demanded the Election Commission investigate the alleged manipulation and hold officials accountable. He emphasized electoral reforms were necessary to prevent such fraudulent practices in future. The Congress leader warned the misuse of fake voters damaged democratic transparency and trust. The Election Commission dismissed Gandhi’s allegations, stating no appeals were filed on rolls.
Officials noted duplicate entries did not prove voters supported BJP specifically. The BJP called the claims false and politically motivated to defame Indian democracy. Larissa remained neutral, avoiding political involvement while the controversy gained international attention. Analysts said the episode highlighted misinformation risks and misuse of unrelated images in politics.
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