"Consider This Matter Closed": CM Dhami Ends Daler Mehndi Row
Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami urges an end to the controversy between Minister Subodh Uniyal and singer Daler Mehndi.
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has stepped in to put an end to the heated controversy involving renowned singer Daler Mehndi and Cabinet Minister Subodh Uniyal. Addressing the media on Thursday, the Chief Minister urged everyone to move past the incident, stating that the matter should now be considered closed following a clarification from the minister.
The Minister's Clarification
CM Dhami noted that Minister Subodh Uniyal had already addressed the situation and clarified his position. According to the Chief Minister, Uniyal had no intention of causing offence and admitted that he was unaware of the singer's poor health at the time of the incident. Dhami emphasized that Uttarakhand is a land that deeply honors scholars, writers, and artists, and the state maintains a tradition of respecting creative personalities.
The Chief Minister pointed out that the minister had issued a statement to resolve the tension that had escalated due to public pressure. "I believe that since the Minister has now issued a statement himself, he has clarified that he had no such intention. Therefore, I think everyone should now consider this matter closed," Dhami stated.
Diplomatic Outreach and 'Atithi Devo Bhava'
In an effort to smooth over the friction, the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) revealed that CM Dhami held telephone conversations with Mika Singh and Daler Mehndi’s brother. During these discussions, the Chief Minister stressed the importance of resolving misunderstandings through cordial dialogue and mutual respect.
The CMO further highlighted that the state of Uttarakhand upholds the spirit of ‘Atithi Devo Bhava’ (the guest is God). The government reiterated its commitment to welcoming and honouring artists from across the globe, reaffirming that "Devbhoomi Uttarakhand" respects art and culture wholeheartedly.
How the Controversy Started
The dispute erupted during a performance by Daler Mehndi at the Siddhpeeth Maa Kunjapuri Tourism and Development Fair in the Narendra Nagar area of New Tehri. A video of the event went viral on social media, showing Minister Subodh Uniyal interrupting the singer to question his performance.
In the footage, the minister is heard questioning Mehndi's ability to sing and reminding him that he was invited specifically to entertain the audience, suggesting that the singer should maintain the reputation associated with his fame.
Conflicting Claims and Industry Support
Following the viral clip, unverified allegations surfaced on social media suggesting that the singer was intoxicated. However, Minister Uniyal later clarified to ANI that his intervention was based on the belief that Mehndi was lip-syncing rather than performing live. The minister also expressed dissatisfaction with the quality of the show, mentioning that the singer had been paid Rs 35 lakh for the appearance.
The incident sparked a wave of support for Daler Mehndi from the music industry, with prominent singers including Badshah and Mika Singh speaking out in favor of the veteran artist.