: Continuing his efforts to defuse the escalating controversy surrounding a cabinet colleague’s conduct at a public event, Uttarakhand chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami spoke with singer Daler Mehndi on the phone on Friday to inquire about his well-being and discuss “the recent events”.
The chief minister had spoken with Daler Mehndi’s brother, singer Mika Singh, on Thursday, who hasn’t toned down his pitch. He reiterated the demand on Friday, saying Uniyal could apologise to Mehndi for his remark in a video statement. Please remember that the people have given you the position you hold today.
Or the demand for a public apology from the minister. Daler Mehndi was performing on stage during Navratri celebrations when Uttarakhand cabinet minister Subodh Uniyal interrupted him, publicly reprimanded him and questioned his conduct over allegations of intoxication. After a video of the confrontation went viral, Daler’s brother, singer Mika Singh, defended his brother, saying Mehndi did not consume alcohol and that he had been unwell. Mika Singh also demanded that the minister apologise to his brother. “I know Dhami Saab very well. “The way Minister @SubodhUniyal1 ji spoke on stage was extremely rude and disrespectful. “Is this really the language a minister should use for artists? What kind of behaviour is this? Artists come to perform, entertain people, and honour their commitments. They deserve respect, not humiliation from a public platform. Subodh Uniyal ji, do you want artists to stop coming to Uttarakhand? Such an attitude can discourage artists from performing in a state that we all love. Public office comes with responsibility, humility, and accountability. I have immense love and respect for Uttarakhand, but artists deserve respect too. I sincerely hope you will reflect on your words and address this matter with dignity.”
The controversy stems from an incident on Sunday night, October 18, at the Siddhpeeth Maa Kunjapuri Tourism and Development Fair in Narendra Nagar, Tehri Garhwal district.
“Our effort is to leave this incident behind and move forward with mutual dialogue, harmony, and a spirit of positivity,” Dhami said in a post on X after the phone call, a reference to the row over Uttarakhand minister Subodh Uniyal’s remarks and confrontation with Mehndi at a public event. He is a humble, down-to-earth person, and I have great respect for him,” Mika said, referring to the chief minister’s outreach. An artist deserves dignity, regardless of the circumstances,” Mika Singh said.
