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Uttarakhand Minister Subodh Uniyal interrupts Daler Mehndi’s performance at the Kunjapuri fair in Tehri. (Img: X)
Tehri: Uttarakhand Cabinet Minister Subodh Uniyal interrupted Punjabi singer Daler Mehndi’s performance at a religious and cultural fair in Tehri district, accusing the singer of being under the influence of alcohol and failing to deliver the performance expected of him.
The incident took place during the annual Siddhpeeth Maa Kunjapuri Tourism and Development Fair in New Tehri. A video showing the minister confronting the singer on stage has since circulated widely on social media, bringing the episode into public discussion.
According to reports, Uniyal, who represents the Narendranagar constituency, walked onto the stage while Mehndi was performing and publicly expressed dissatisfaction with the singer’s delivery.
The minister questioned whether the singer was in a condition to perform effectively, alleging that he had consumed alcohol. He also objected to the conduct on the grounds that the programme was being held as part of Navratri celebrations dedicated to Goddess Durga.
In the video circulating online, Uniyal is heard criticising the singer and telling him that the audience had gathered to be entertained, but was instead being let down. The minister also referred to Mehndi’s reputation as a well-known performer, saying that he had been invited because of his stature and popularity.
The confrontation briefly disrupted the cultural programme, with the singer and the minister exchanging words in front of the audience. In the footage, Mehndi appears to ask the minister to leave the stage, saying, “Sir, I request you with folded hands... please leave the stage.”
The exchange drew attention online, with the video prompting discussion about the interruption of a public performance and the allegations made against the singer.
The Siddhpeeth Maa Kunjapuri Tourism and Development Fair is an annual religious and cultural event in Uttarakhand, attracting devotees and visitors for its festivities and performances.
Uniyal’s objection was linked to the religious nature of the occasion, with the minister maintaining that the programme required appropriate conduct and respect for the event’s significance.
The incident has also raised questions about the expectations attached to performances organised at public and religious gatherings, particularly when artists are invited to entertain audiences as part of officially organised events.
The allegation that Mehndi was intoxicated was made by the minister during the on-stage confrontation. It should not be treated as an independently established fact.
The incident has generated considerable attention on social media, although the singer’s performance and the minister’s intervention remain the central points of discussion. A response from Mehndi or his representatives to the allegations was not available in the reports cited.
