The controversy over Uttarakhand Cabinet Minister Subodh Uniyal’s public criticism of singer Daler Mehndi has intensified as the Congress party demands an apology, and Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami seeks to mediate the situation.
Minister Uniyal’s Public Reprimand
On 18 October, at the Siddhpeeth Maa Kunjapuri Tourism and Development Fair in New Tehri, Minister Subodh Uniyal interrupted a performance by Daler Mehndi, accusing the singer of being intoxicated. Uniyal remarked, “You cannot even speak, so how are you going to sing?” A video of this incident soon went viral on social media.
Community Significance and Political Response
The Sikh community constitutes 2.34 percent of Uttarakhand’s population but holds considerable influence in Udham Singh Nagar district, particularly in nine Assembly constituencies, where Sikhs make up about 9.9 percent of the population. The Congress party stepped into the controversy, with Uttarakhand Pradesh Congress Committee general secretary Amarjit Singh criticizing Uniyal for making unverified allegations and demanding a public apology.
The Rajasthan Congress Sevadal also addressed the issue on social media, questioning the minister’s assumptions due to Mehndi’s Sikh identity.
Minister’s Explanation and Family’s Demand
Later, Uniyal stated his suspicion that Mehndi might have been lip-syncing and appeared unable to speak or walk properly. He clarified that venue attendees pressed him to intervene and that he was unaware of any health issue affecting the singer. However, Mehndi’s brother, singer Mika Singh, demanded an apology and called on Chief Minister Dhami to get involved.
Chief Minister Dhami’s Role
On 22 October, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said he had spoken with Mika Singh and planned to speak with Daler Mehndi. He defended Uniyal, suggesting the minister was under pressure from the audience and unaware of Mehndi’s health condition. Dhami emphasized Uttarakhand’s tradition of respecting artists and called for a peaceful resolution through dialogue.
Dhami posted on social media highlighting the state’s culture of warm hospitality and honoring art and artists, reinforcing the need to settle the misunderstanding amicably.
Political Analyst’s View
Political analyst Chandrachud Singh noted that, despite Mehndi’s religious music and popularity, the controversy was unlikely to have a major political impact as elections are not imminent, and the Sikh community may still feel upset.
