Daler Mehndi Controversy: Minister Subodh Uniyal Refutes Apologising to Singer Over Concert Row
Uttarakhand Minister Subodh Uniyal firmly refutes apologising to Daler Mehndi following their public altercation at the Kunjapuri Mela on October 18, 2026. Uniyal questioned, 'Have I committed a crime?', contradicting claims by Mika Singh's team.
The controversy surrounding veteran singer Daler Mehndi and Uttarakhand Cabinet Minister Subodh Uniyal has taken a fresh turn, with Minister Uniyal unequivocally refuting claims that he apologised to the singer. The incident, which unfolded on October 18, 2026, saw Uniyal interrupt Mehndi's live performance at the Siddhpeeth Maa Kunjapuri Tourism and Development Fair in New Tehri, accusing him of being intoxicated and lip-syncing on stage. Daler Mehndi Row: Pushkar Singh Dhami Says Matter Should Be Put to Rest, Calls Singer His Friend (Video).
Subodh Uniyal Denies Apologising to Daler Mehndi
In a recent interview with Satya Vani, Subodh Uniyal firmly dismissed any suggestions of an apology. He stated, "Mera maafi maangne ka prashn hi nahi hai" (There is no question of me apologising). Further, challenging the reports, Uniyal questioned, "Ye batao, maine koi apradh kiya hai jo maafi maangu?" (Tell me, have I committed any crime that I should apologise?).
Uniyal's denial comes in stark contrast to earlier reports, including a statement circulated by singer Mika Singh's team, which indicated that the minister had expressed regret to Daler Mehndi over a telephonic conversation. Mika Singh himself had earlier come out in strong support of his elder brother, Daler Mehndi, stressing the importance of treating artists with dignity and respect.
Subodh Uniyal's Stance and Underlying Allegations
During his interview with 'Satya Vani', Uniyal elaborated on his stance, shifting the onus onto Daler Mehndi. He argued that if the singer was indeed unwell, he should have either declined the performance at the Kunjapuri Mela or informed the organisers and the attending audience about his health condition.
Uniyal also highlighted the financial aspect, claiming that Mehndi had accepted a substantial fee for the performance – with figures reportedly ranging between INR 26 lakh and INR 36 lakh – but failed to deliver a satisfactory show, thus disappointing public expectations. "Apradh kiya hai Rs. 26 lakh le kar ke janta ki jo umeedein thi, unpe paani pherne ka inhone," Uniyal asserted, alleging that the wrongdoing lay in dashing public hopes after taking such a sum.
The initial confrontation on October 18, 2026, drew widespread attention and support for Daler Mehndi from various Bollywood personalities, including Rajpal Yadav, Shaan, Kapil Sharma, and Anupam Kher, who cited the singer's ill health as a factor. Subodh Uniyal Apologises to Daler Mehndi, Mika Singh Says, ‘Hope We Can Put This Behind Us’.
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami also intervened, speaking to both Mika Singh and Daler Mehndi, and conveyed his government's desire to move past the "sequence of events" in a spirit of harmony. However, Uniyal's recent statements indicate that the underlying tensions of the controversy are far from resolved.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 27, 2026 10:48 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
