The controversy involving Punjabi singer Daler Mehndi and Uttarakhand Cabinet Minister Subodh Uniyal at the Kunjapuri Devi Mela in Tehri continues, with the minister refusing to back down despite attempts to resolve the dispute. The confrontation took place on Monday during Mehndi’s live performance, when Uniyal publicly challenged the singer’s behaviour, alleging that he was lip-syncing and was intoxicated on stage.
Speaking at a press conference amid growing demands for an apology, Uniyal defended his position and said the controversy had not been initiated by him. He questioned whether the singer would have been treated similarly if he were not a prominent artist, and referred to an alleged offer of Rs 36 lakh, asking whether the mistakes would have been overlooked under different circumstances.
Responding to claims that Mehndi was unwell during the performance, Uniyal said artists had a responsibility to inform organisers and audiences about their health beforehand.
He said that although Mehndi was a well-known artist, he could have declined the performance or informed the audience from the stage that he was not feeling well. Uniyal added that a person’s poor health could not be judged simply by looking at them and said the organisers had not been informed about the singer’s condition.
When asked whether he would apologise for his remarks, Uniyal replied, “Look, fine,” before walking away from the press conference.
The incident triggered an immediate backlash across the music industry. Mehndi’s brother and fellow playback singer Mika Singh strongly defended him and demanded an apology from the minister.
Following the public controversy, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami intervened and personally spoke with the Mehndi brothers in an effort to ease tensions. During a press conference, Mika revealed that Dhami had apologised to him on behalf of MLA Subodh Uniyal, who had accused Mehndi of being intoxicated on stage.
Meanwhile, Daler Mehndi has refrained from making any personal comments or issuing a statement on the controversy.
