Daler Mehndi Row: Pushkar Singh Dhami Says Matter Should Be Put to Rest, Calls Singer His Friend (Video)

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has sought to defuse the controversy over the alleged public humiliation of singer Daler Mehndi by state minister Subodh Uniyal, saying he would speak to Mehndi and his brother Mika Singh. Dhami said both singers were his good friends and suggested that the matter should be put to rest.

Speaking at a press conference, Dhami said the minister might have been under pressure from the public during the incident at the Kunjapuri fair in New Tehri. He added that Uniyal had clarified he was unaware that Mehndi was unwell.

“Uttarakhand is a land of artists, where everyone is treated with respect. I feel this matter should be put to rest here,” Dhami said.

The chief minister added, “I will speak with Mika and Daler Mehndi; both are good friends of mine.”

The controversy erupted after Uniyal confronted Mehndi on stage during a cultural programme at the Siddhpeeth Maa Kunjapuri Tourism and Development Fair. The minister had questioned the singer's performance and alleged that he was performing after consuming alcohol.

Pushkar Singh Dhami Says Matter Should Be Put to Rest

Uniyal later said he felt Mehndi was under the influence of an intoxicant, although he acknowledged that he had not arranged a medical examination. The allegation has not been independently verified.

Mika Singh has demanded an apology from the minister, stating that his brother had been unwell and was recovering. The incident triggered criticism from several quarters, with calls for artists to be treated with dignity and respect.

Dhami's remarks came amid growing calls for the controversy to be resolved following the viral video of the on-stage exchange.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 22, 2026 06:30 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).