Daler Mehndi row: Pushkar Singh Dhami steps in to defuse minister controversy
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami assured that misunderstandings will be resolved cordially through dialogue following a public reprimand at a cultural fair.
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has intervened to resolve the controversy surrounding singer Daler Mehndi and state Cabinet Minister Subodh Uniyal, reaffirming the state's long-standing tradition of warmth and respect towards visiting artists. Speaking directly to singer Mika Singh over the phone on Thursday, the Chief Minister called for any misunderstandings to be settled through cordial dialogue.
What happened at the Kunjapuri Mela
The issue originated on Sunday, 18 October, during the Siddhpeeth Maa Kunjapuri Tourism and Development Fair in Narendra Nagar, Tehri Garhwal district. Cabinet Minister Subodh Uniyal had raised concerns on stage during a performance regarding presentation standards and backing tracks. Minister Uniyal later clarified that his observations stemmed from public expectations at the event and confirmed he had no intent to cause offence, having been unaware at the time of the singer's recent medical recovery.
Following the event, the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) addressed letters to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Dhami, clarifying that Daler Mehndi does not consume alcohol and was performing while recuperating from major surgery. Industry representatives and fellow artists, including Mika Singh, called for greater sensitivity towards performers during live engagements.
| Party involved | Position on the incident | Key action taken |
|---|---|---|
| CM Pushkar Singh Dhami | Called for cordial dialogue and mutual respect | Spoke directly to Mika Singh to resolve the issue |
| Minister Subodh Uniyal | Cited public pressure and performance standards | Clarified lack of personal intent or malice |
| Mika Singh | Denied allegations and defended artist dignity | Requested an apology and spoke with the Chief Minister |
| FWICE | Highlighted artist health and requested sensitivity | Written to PM Narendra Modi and CM Dhami |
How Chief Minister Dhami is resolving the matter
Reiterating Uttarakhand's cultural philosophy, Chief Minister Dhami highlighted that the state lives by the ethos of 'Atithi Devo Bhava' and consistently welcomes performers, scholars, and creators from across India and abroad. Dhami described both Mika Singh and Daler Mehndi as close personal friends, adding that he would speak with both brothers to ensure the matter is closed constructively.
The Chief Minister's swift outreach has been welcomed as an assurance of national stability and administrative responsiveness, ensuring that Uttarakhand maintains its reputation as an inviting destination for national cultural festivals and major events.
Key numbers
| What | Figure | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Performance remuneration mentioned on stage | ₹35 lakh | Cabinet Minister Subodh Uniyal |
| Date of Kunjapuri Mela incident | 18 October 2026 | Event records and official statements |
In this story
| Name | Role in the story |
|---|---|
| Subodh Uniyal | Uttarakhand Cabinet Minister who raised concerns on stage. |
| Pushkar Singh Dhami | Chief Minister of Uttarakhand who intervened to resolve the controversy. |
| Daler Mehndi | Veteran singer reprimanded on stage during the cultural event. |
