New Delhi, Mar 17: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Varun Gandhi, on Wednesday claimed that the tape showing his alleged anti-Muslim remarks has been doctored.

He told reporters that the CD released on March 16 was tampered with and refused to accept that the tape contained his voice.

Gandhi said that he is proud of his faith and is a Gandhi, a Hindu and an Indian in equal measure. " I''ve been a victim of a political controversy," said Gandhi.

Calling the incident as a " malicious attempt" to brand him communal, Gandhi said, "I''ve said nothing to incite communal hatred."

Gandhi, who is the BJP candidate for the Pilibhit constituency in Uttar Pradesh was accused of making inflammatory communal remarks at an election meeting in his constituency on March 6.

Gandhi had been recorded as saying, "If anyone raises a finger towards Hindus or if someone thinks that Hindus are weak and leaderless, if someone thinks that these leaders lick our boots for votes, if anyone raises a finger towards Hindus, then I swear on Gita that I will cut that hand."

The Election Commission has issued a notice to Gandhi, charging him of violating the Model Code of Conduct for elections by making communal remarks.

Following this, the Uttar Pradesh police, on Tuesday, registered an FIR against him on the same allegations under Section 153A of the Indian Penal Code.

Gandhi has also come under fire from the Congress and some of his own party leaders for purportedly insulting the minority community. (ANI)