Uniyal refuses apology in Daler Mehndi controversy

Mika Singh alleges threats and demands apology

Singer Mika Singh publicly demanded that the Chief Minister seek an apology from the minister involved in the controversy on 23 October 2026. Mika Singh also alleged that Daler Mehndi had been threatened by the minister and claimed that singer Maninder Buttar was physically assaulted.

On 23 October 2026, Mika Singh questioned Subodh Uniyal on whether he intended for artists to stop visiting Uttarakhand. Following these claims, Mika Singh stated that Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami had already offered an apology on behalf of the minister.

Uniyal justifies criticism citing performance fee and health

Minister Subodh Uniyal defended his position during a press conference on 24 October 2026, insisting his criticism of Daler Mehndi remained justified. He questioned whether a prominent artist should receive different treatment than others, referencing the 36 lakh rupee fee paid for the performance.

Uniyal argued that if the singer was not a big artist, his mistakes would not be corrected. He previously asked why Mehndi performed while ill, noting that another singer had refunded their fee due to health issues.

Regarding the singer's condition, the minister claimed that Mehndi could have declined the performance or informed the public from the stage. He added that the poor health of an artist is not visibly apparent and was not communicated to the organisers.

Chief Minister Dhami seeks to resolve the dispute

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has intervened to ease tensions between the minister and the singer. On 22 October 2026, the Chief Minister spoke with Mika Singh regarding the ongoing controversy.

By 23 October 2026, Chief Minister Dhami also spoke with Daler Mehndi. He stated that his primary endeavour is to move past the dispute and find a resolution.

Celebrities rally behind Daler Mehndi

Various artists have expressed their support for Daler Mehndi in response to the controversy. Those backing the singer include Anupam Kher, Badshah, Kapil Sharma, Shaan, Palash Sen, Harshdeep Kaur, Alisha Chinai, and Gurdas Maan.

Anupam Kher previously described the minister's accusations against the singer as unfair.

Timeline of the Kunjapuri Devi Mela row

The controversy began when Daler Mehndi performed at the Kunjapuri Devi Mela in Tehri, Uttarakhand. On 19 October, Subodh Uniyal questioned the performance and alleged that the singer was lip-syncing.

The row escalated on 20 October when the minister confronted Mehndi over an alleged drunken performance. By 21 October, Uniyal defended his public reprimand, stating he did not intend to hurt the artist but that the singer should have informed the organisers if he was unwell.

On 22 October, the minister reiterated that Mehndi should have disclosed his health status. ThePrint reported on 24 October that while the public humiliation of the singer was wrong, those who attended the concert deserve better.

Political background of Subodh Uniyal

Subodh Uniyal is an elected member of the Uttarakhand Legislative Assembly. He was elected to this position in 2017 and again in 2022 to represent the Narendra Nagar constituency in the Tehri Garhwal district.

Daler Mehndi remains silent on the issue

Daler Mehndi has not personally issued a public statement regarding the controversy. No comment has been made by the singer as of 24 October.