Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has formally called for an end to the ongoing public controversy involving popular singer Daler Mehndi and state cabinet minister Subodh Uniyal. The Chief Minister’s remarks follow a viral incident at the Siddhpeeth Maa Kunjapuri Tourism and Development Fair in the New Tehri area, where the minister interrupted the artist’s performance to question his delivery.
During the event, a video clip showed minister Subodh Uniyal challenging the quality of the singer’s performance and questioning his professionalism. Following the public backlash, Uniyal clarified his position, stating that he was unaware of the singer’s health condition at the time. He further alleged that his frustration stemmed from a belief that the singer was lip-syncing rather than performing live, particularly noting that the singer had been paid Rs 35 lakh for the appearance.
Addressing the media on Thursday, Chief Minister Dhami stated that the minister had already provided his explanation and did not intend to cause offense. He emphasized the need to move past the disagreement. "These are all distinguished artists. Uttarakhand is a land that honours writers, artists, and scholars alike," the Chief Minister said, reinforcing the state's traditional commitment to respecting creative and cultural figures. He added, "I believe that since the Minister has now issued a statement himself, he has clarified that he had no such intention. Therefore, I think everyone should now consider this matter closed."
The controversy gained significant traction online, with some social media users alleging that the singer was intoxicated during the performance—claims that remain unverified. In response, several prominent figures from the music industry, including Mika Singh and Badshah, expressed their support for Mehndi. The intense public reaction prompted a swift response from the state government to manage the optics of the situation.
In an effort to de-escalate the tensions, the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) confirmed that Pushkar Singh Dhami had reached out to Daler Mehndi’s brother, the singer Mika Singh, via a telephone conversation. During the discussion, the Chief Minister underscored that any differences or misunderstandings should be resolved through dialogue and mutual respect. He maintained that the state government is dedicated to upholding the spirit of 'Atithi Devo Bhava', a cultural ethos emphasizing the respectful treatment of guests.
The CMO further noted that “Devbhoomi Uttarakhand wholeheartedly welcomes and respects artists from across the country and the world,” affirming the government's stance on honoring art and culture. By directly engaging with the artist’s family, the administration aims to soothe the ruffled feathers of the creative community.
As the state government now considers the matter closed, the focus has shifted back to the cultural initiatives of the region. Whether the resolution will satisfy all critics remains to be seen, but the Chief Minister’s intervention serves as a formal attempt to put the viral dispute to rest and restore the reputation of the state’s public hosting standards.
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