CNN Central News & Network-ITDC India Epress/ITDC News Bhopal: CNN Central News and Network – ITDC India ePress | ITDC News, Bhopal: Dehradun. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has reacted to the controversy between singer Daler Mehndi and Cabinet Minister Subodh Uniyal. Describing Daler Mehndi and his brother, singer Mika Singh, as his good friends, he said he would speak to both of them.
The Chief Minister expressed hope that the matter could be resolved through mutual dialogue and goodwill. He also said it was possible that the minister was under public pressure at the time of the incident and may not have been aware of Daler Mehndi’s poor health.
The dispute took place at the Siddhpeeth Maa Kunjapuri Tourism and Development Fair, held on 18 October in Narendra Nagar in Tehri Garhwal district. During the Navratri programme, Daler Mehndi was performing when Minister Subodh Uniyal reached the stage and expressed displeasure over the singer’s performance. He questioned why the singer was lip-syncing instead of singing live. In a viral video, the minister could also be heard questioning Daler Mehndi’s condition.
At the time, the minister had also raised suspicion that the singer was under the influence of intoxication. However, this allegation has not been independently confirmed. Later, Uniyal said he was not aware that Daler Mehndi was unwell. He also said that if the artist was unwell, the organisers should have been informed beforehand.
After the video of the incident went viral on social media, Mika Singh issued a statement in support of his brother and demanded an apology from the minister. Mika said artists should be treated with respect. He also appealed to Chief Minister Dhami to intervene in the matter.
Following Mika’s statement, the Chief Minister spoke to him over the phone. Dhami said any misunderstanding or differences should be resolved amicably through dialogue. Referring to Uttarakhand’s tradition of “Atithi Devo Bhava”, he said artists from India and abroad are respected in the state.
Chief Minister Dhami said the minister had clarified his position and that he had no intention of hurting anyone. He indicated that instead of escalating the controversy, the focus should now be on resolving it through dialogue. Meanwhile, Mika Singh has raised the issue of artists’ dignity and respect and demanded a public apology from the minister. The episode has sparked a debate over the treatment of artists at public events and the responsibility of public representatives.
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