Union minister and Janata Dal (United) leader Lalan Singh on Wednesday claimed that the video, based on which a police complaint was filed against him for violating the Model Code of Conduct before the Bihar Assembly elections, was “doctored”, PTI reported.

On Tuesday, the Patna district administration registered a first information report against Singh after a video widely shared online showed him urging supporters to prevent “a few leaders” from leaving their homes on the polling day in Bihar.

The purported video showed Singh addressing a campaign meeting in Mokama, where he is heard telling the crowd: “There are a few persons. Don’t let them step out of their homes on polling day. Keep them packed inside.” Mokama is a town in Patna district.

It was unclear when the comments were made.

“If they make too much fuss, take them along and let them cast their vote,” Singh said in the video. “Tell them, ‘Come with us, vote, and then go home and rest’. So, from today, everyone take charge.”

The “few leaders” Singh was referring to were Opposition leaders, according to reports.

On Wednesday, Singh said that a full investigation into the incident would clear his name. He added that the Election Commission, which is overseeing the inquiry, would review “the full video footage” and the truth will come out, PTI reported.

“I respect the action initiated by the Election Commission, which is a constitutional, non-partisan body,” PTI quoted Singh as saying. “But the video in question, which is also being shared by our rival RJD, is doctored.”

Singh claimed that his remarks had been misinterpreted and that his intention was only to protect vulnerable voters allegedly being threatened by Rashtriya Janata Dal workers not to support the JD(U), ANI reported.

“As a political party, it was our responsibility to stand by such voters and give them courage,” PTI quoted him as saying. “That was what I tried to do and it will be clear to anyone who watches the complete video.”

The Opposition Rashtriya Janata Dal had widely shared the clip on social media, accusing Singh of attempting to suppress votes and of “running a bulldozer over the chest of the Election Commission.”

Following the criticism, the Election Commission on Tuesday issued a notice to Singh, asking him to respond within 24 hours.

The polling in the Bihar Assembly elections will be held in two phases on Thursday and Tuesday. The counting of votes will take place on November 14. The Model Code of Conduct is in force in the state.

The code is a set of guidelines issued by the polls panel for political parties, candidates and governments to follow during an election. It sets guardrails for speeches, meetings, processions, election manifestos and other aspects of the polls.