Rahul Gandhi: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi accused the BJP of alleged “vote chori” (vote theft) during a press conference on Thursday, sparking a controversy. However, one of the women denied any involvement, revealing a significant photo mix-up involving a Brazilian model.
As fact-checkers and users pointed out that the woman Congress identified was actually a Brazilian influencer whose image had been misappropriated, the incident swiftly descended into a social media frenzy.
Rahul Gandhi: The Dilemma Emerges
During his press conference, Rahul Gandhi displayed pictures allegedly showing “massive irregularities” in voter records related to the current election process. But soon after, one of the women he claimed had nothing to do with politics and was being unfairly singled out.
“I am shocked to see my photo being circulated in political allegations. I have nothing to do with any vote-related case or the BJP. This is completely false,” the woman clarified in her statement.
The Congress media cell had used the incorrect image while displaying purported examples of “vote chori,” as fact-checkers later disclosed that the image used during the press conference actually belonged to a Brazilian model.
Political Responses Abound
In a swift retaliation, the BJP referred to the incident as an instance of “Congress’s careless propaganda.” Party representatives demanded an apology from Rahul Gandhi for allegedly disseminating false information without conducting due diligence.
“Rahul Gandhi has once again shown his recklessness,” said Union Minister Smriti Irani on X (formerly Twitter). It is dishonourable to include an innocent woman in a false story.
Insiders have hinted that the team in charge of the media content may be subject to an internal review, but Congress has remained silent about the gaffe.
Public Outcry and Accountability Concerns
Questions concerning accountability and fact-checking in political communications have been brought up by the photo mix-up. Social media users emphasised that, particularly during a contentious election season, political leaders should confirm claims before going public.
In addition to embarrassing the Congress camp, this gaffe has damaged Rahul Gandhi’s larger narrative on electoral malpractice and brought the focus back to accuracy in political discourse as the debate over “vote chori” rages on.
