Uttarakhand minister Subodh Uniyal has responded to the backlash over his confrontation with Indian singer Daler Mehndi during a public event, saying he had no intention of hurting the performer.
Speaking to the media, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader said he questioned Mehndi’s performance because the singer appeared to be struggling to speak and walk while lip-syncing. Uniyal said the situation raised suspicions about the singer’s condition, but he only learnt that Mehndi was unwell after interrupting the show.
The minister said he felt pressured to intervene because of his role as the local representative associated with the event’s organising committee.
Minister questions singer’s decision to perform
Uniyal said organisers had been asked to pay ₹35 lakh in advance for Mehndi’s performance and had also arranged hotel accommodation.
He argued that the singer should have informed the organisers about his health before taking the stage.
“Such a big artiste, he should have informed us about this. This fact was revealed only when he was interrupted,” Uniyal said, according to media reports.
He added that he had nothing personal against Mehndi and denied using foul language during the confrontation.
The minister also said local performers were given preference at the Kunjapuri Fair, while Bollywood artists were invited for only two days. He cited singer Sunanda Sharma as an example, saying she had refunded her full payment when illness prevented her from performing.
Mika Singh and Bollywood stars support Daler Mehndi
The controversy began when Uniyal walked onto the stage during Mehndi’s performance at the 59th Siddhpeeth Maa Kunjapuri Tourism and Development Fair in Narendra Nagar, Tehri Garhwal.
The event was organised by the Uttarakhand government, and a video of the confrontation subsequently went viral on social media.
Mehndi’s brother, singer Mika Singh, defended him, saying he did not drink alcohol and criticising the minister’s treatment of the performer. Mika later called on Uniyal to apologise.
Actors Rajpal Yadav, Anupam Kher and Kapil Sharma, along with rapper Badshah, have also expressed support for Mehndi amid the controversy.
