Dhami to speak to Daler Mehndi after Uttarakhand minister's confrontation with him

Chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Thursday said he would speak to singers Mika Singh and Daler Mehndi, his brother, amid the controversy over Uttarakhand minister Subodh Uniyal's remarks and confrontation with Mehndi at a public event.

Daler Mehndi was performing on October 18 in Tehri Garhwal district during Navratri celebrations when Uniyal reprimanded him and questioned his conduct over allegations of intoxication. Mika Singh demanded an apology following the viral video of the confrontation.

"I believe that since there was likely pressure from the public at the time and the minister [Uniyal] stated that he was unaware of Daler Mehndi's poor health. The minister himself has already clarified," Dhami said when asked about the controversy at a press conference.

He said the artists involved are accomplished and that Uttarakhand respects writers, artists and scholars. "Given the circumstances that arose due to public pressure at the time, and since the minister has already issued a statement clarifying that he had no such intent, I believe it is time to bring this matter to a close," Dhami said.

Asked about Mika Singh's appeal to him to take action against Uniyal, Dhami said he would speak to both brothers. "I will first speak with Mika. I will also speak with Daler Mehndi. I will talk to both of them. I am friends with both," Dhami said.

On Wednesday, Mika Singh sought Uniyal's apology in an Instagram post. He thanked singers, fans, friends, family, and well-wishers for their love and support. "My point is simple: Daler Mehndi ji does not drink alcohol, and making such allegations against him is completely wrong. Nowadays, if a teacher scolds a child in school or college, it becomes a major issue. In such a context, how can it be considered right to scold and humiliate a renowned artist like this, in front of everyone on stage?"

He said an apology is due. "The person responsible should acknowledge that the allegations about Daler Mehndi ji drinking alcohol were wrong and apologise for the way he was treated."