Did I commit a crime?: Minister Subodh Uniyal denies apologising to Daler Mehndi

Uttarakhand Cabinet Minister Subodh Uniyal has denied apologising to singer Daler Mehndi over the recent on-stage row. He refuted singer Mika Singh's claims of a reconciliation and asserted that Mehndi should have informed the audience about his health condition.

In Short

• Minister Subodh Uniyal questioned why he should apologise to Daler Mehndi
• He expressed strong reservations about the reports suggesting he had issued an apology
• Uniyal maintained Mehndi should have disclosed if he was feeling unwell

Uttarakhand Cabinet Minister Subodh Uniyal has firmly denied apologising to singer Daler Mehndi following the recent on-stage incident, refuting claims that the matter had been resolved. Setting the record straight, Uniyal questioned the rationale behind demanding an apology from him and asserted that the singer ought to have communicated his health status to the audience prior to his performance.

The minister's clarification comes shortly after singer Mika Singh claimed on social media that Uniyal had spoken to Mehndi over a phone call and expressed regret over the incident.

Addressing the claims during an interaction with YouTube channel Satyavani live deepak singh golu, Uniyal rejected the reports of a reconciliation. "Mera maafi maangne ka prashn hi nahi hai (There is no question of me apologizing)," the minister stated, maintaining that he had done nothing to warrant an apology. "Ye batao, maine koi apradh kiya hai jo maafi maangu? (Tell me, have I committed any crime that I should apologize?)" he added.

Uniyal further expressed strong reservations about the media reports suggesting he had issued an apology, placing the responsibility on the singer to manage expectations regarding his health condition. He argued that if Mehndi was indisposed, he should have either opted out of the event or informed the organizers and the gathering in advance.

"Agar tabiyat kharab thi toh nahi aana chahiye tha. Agar aaye bhi the, toh janta ko bata dete ki tabiyat kharab hai (If he was unwell, he should not have come. Even if he did come, he should have informed the audience that he was unwell)," Uniyal said.

Putting the onus back on Mehndi, the minister concluded, "Main kehta hoon, apradhi kaun hai? (I ask, who is the one at fault?)" maintaining that any apology should originate from the party responsible for the lapse.

Earlier, Mika Singh's team had claimed that Uniyal apologised to Mehndi by telephone after disrupting his Kunjapuri Mela performance. The statement by Singh's team read, "We appreciate that Subodh Uniyal ji has apologised to Daler Mehndi paaji over a telephonic conversation regarding the unfortunate incident. Respecting artists and their dignity is extremely important."

The controversy stems from an incident on October 18 during the Kunjapuri Devi Mela in Uttarakhand's Tehri Garhwal district. Minister Subodh Uniyal interrupted Daler Mehndi’s live performance on stage and publicly questioned his state, alleging that the singer was under the influence of alcohol and lip-syncing. Uniyal's sudden intervention and conduct towards the veteran musician drew widespread criticism. Many questioned the treatment meted out to the singer in front of a live audience.

Singh stepped in to defend his elder brother, saying Daler doesn’t consume alcohol and had been unwell during the performance. He also called for an apology, stressing that senior artists should be treated with dignity.

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami later contacted the Mehndi brothers and apologised on the minister’s behalf. Speaking exclusively to IANS, Singh praised Dhami for handling the matter with warmth and humility. He also revealed that the Chief Minister had invited both brothers to Uttarakhand.

Singh or Mehndi's representatives have not yet reacted to Uniyal's recent statement.

- Ends