New Delhi: Uttarakhand Cabinet Minister Subodh Uniyal’s public rebuke to popular singer Daler Mehndi for being allegedly intoxicated during a performance in New Tehri is taking a political turn with the Opposition Congress wading into it and demanding the minister’s apology.
While the Sikhs constitute only 2.34 percent of the state’s population, they have a sizeable presence in Udham Singh Nagar district, which includes Rudrapur and other towns in the Terai region. Accounting for about 9.9 percent of the district’s population, Sikhs play a significant role in deciding the outcome in nine Assembly constituencies.
On 18 October, at the Siddhpeeth Maa Kunjapuri Tourism and Development Fair, minister Uniyal interrupted Mehndi’s performance, saying, “You cannot even speak, so how are you going to sing?” The minister hinted that the singer was intoxicated. A video of the exchange went viral on social media.
Amarjit Singh, general secretary of the Uttarakhand Pradesh Congress Committee, criticised Uniyal for making the allegation without medical verification and demanded a public apology.
The Rajasthan Congress Sevadal posted: “So, just because Legendary singer Daler Mehndi is a Sikh, Uttarakhand BJP minister assumed he was drunk? Why couldn’t he have been unwell? Is this how the BJP sees Sikh artists?”
So, just because Legendary singer Daler Mehndi is a Sikh, Uttarakhand BJP minister assumed he was drunk?
Why couldn't he have been unwell?
Is this how the BJP sees Sikh artists? pic.twitter.com/t8xq9j6Bnc
— Rajasthan Congress Sevadal (@SevadalRJ) October 23, 2026
Uniyal later said he suspected Mehndi was lip-syncing and appeared unable to speak or walk properly. He said people at the venue had pressed him to intervene and that he was unaware the singer was unwell.
Mehndi’s brother, singer Mika Singh, also demanded an apology and appealed to Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami to intervene.
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said on 22 October that he had spoken to Mika Singh and would also speak to Mehndi. Defending Uniyal, he said the minister may have been under pressure from the audience and was unaware that the singer was unwell.
Chief Minister Dhami said Uttarakhand had a tradition of welcoming and respecting artistes and that the misunderstanding should be resolved through dialogue on X.
“Had a phone conversation with the renowned singer Shri @dalermehndi ji to inquire about his well-being. During this, there was also a discussion regarding the recent events that took place. Devbhoomi Uttarakhand is the carrier of the rich tradition of ‘Atithi Devo Bhava’. Our folk culture, warm hospitality, and the spirit of harmony are the unique identity of Devbhoomi. Art, culture, and artists have always been welcomed and honoured here,” Dhami posted.
प्रसिद्ध गायक श्री @dalermehndi जी से फोन पर वार्ता कर उनका कुशलक्षेम जाना। इस दौरान विगत दिनों हुए घटनाक्रम के संबंध में भी चर्चा हुई।
देवभूमि उत्तराखण्ड ‘अतिथि देवो भवः’ की समृद्ध परंपरा का संवाहक है। हमारी लोकसंस्कृति, आत्मीय आतिथ्य और सौहार्द की भावना ही देवभूमि की विशिष्ट…
— Pushkar Singh Dhami (@pushkardhami) October 23, 2026
Political analyst Chandrachud Singh said the controversy was unlikely to have a significant political impact, despite Mehndi’s popularity and his association with religious music.
“Daler Mehndi is a big star and also sings religious songs, hence the Sikhs will be upset but there is still time for the election, it might not make a huge impact politically,” he said.
(Edited by Viny Mishra)
Also read: Uttarakhand minister tells Daler Mehndi Bhuttar ‘was beaten.’ Mika backs artistes