The dispute between Punjabi singer Daler Mehndi and Uttarakhand Cabinet Minister Subodh Uniyal at the Kunjapuri Devi Mela in Tehri is far from over. The minister is still refusing to back down, even after attempts to cool things down.
How the row began
The clash took place on Monday during Daler Mehndi’s live show. Subodh Uniyal publicly questioned the singer’s behaviour on stage and alleged that he was lip-syncing and was drunk.
Minister stands his ground
According to the India Today report, at a press conference, Subodh Uniyal responded to the demands for an apology. He said, “Look, we didn’t even start it. Tell me, if he hadn’t been a big artist, would he have been let off the hook? If he wasn’t a big artist, why would there be an offer of 36 lakh? Would his mistakes be corrected?”
Remarks on the singer’s health
Speaking about claims that Daler Mehndi was unwell during the show, Subodh Uniyal said artists must inform organisers about their condition in advance. He stated, “He was a big artist, but even now, I believe that — look, a big artist — as I said, if someone’s health is bad, there are two things. They could have declined, or they could have told the public from the stage, ‘I could have been told that my health is not okay; my condition is not good.’ Because this is not written on anyone’s face whose health is bad. It was not told to us either.”Asked whether he would apologise, Subodh Uniyal replied, “Look, fine,” and walked out of the event.
Industry reacts, CM intervenes
The incident led to quick criticism from the music world. Daler Mehndi’s brother, singer Mika Singh, strongly defended him and demanded an apology from the minister.Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami then stepped in and spoke to the Mehndi brothers personally to ease the situation. At a press conference, Mika said Dhami had apologised to him on behalf of MLA Subodh Uniyal.
Daler Mehndi stays quiet
Through all this, Daler Mehndi has not made any personal comment or issued a statement on the matter.
