Controversy Erupts Over Daler Mehndi’s Performance at Uttarakhand’s Kunjapuri Fair
Cabinet Minister Subodh Uniyal questions the singer’s performance during a cultural programme in New Tehri, with a video of the incident going viral on social media.
NEW DELHI, Oct 19: A disagreement over Punjabi singer Daler Mehndi’s performance at the historic Siddhpeeth Maa Kunjapuri Tourism and Development Fair in Uttarakhand’s New Tehri triggered controversy on Sunday night after Cabinet Minister and Narendra Nagar MLA Subodh Uniyal confronted the singer on stage.
A video capturing the exchange circulated widely on social media on Monday, drawing attention to the incident during the fair’s cultural evening.
The dispute reportedly centred on whether Mehndi was singing live or performing to a background soundtrack. Uniyal intervened during the programme, telling the singer that audiences had gathered to hear him and expected a performance that lived up to their expectations.
The minister also stressed the importance of maintaining the dignity and decorum of the event, pointing out that the programme was being held during Navratri, a period of religious significance for devotees.
During the exchange, Uniyal questioned the singer’s ability to perform, making remarks about his speech and singing. The confrontation created an uncomfortable atmosphere on stage for a short period.
The minister also alleged that Mehndi was under the influence of alcohol. However, the allegation could not be independently verified.
The Kunjapuri fair holds considerable religious and cultural importance in the region, bringing together devotees and visitors for religious observances and cultural programmes. The incident has brought the singer’s appearance at the event into focus, with the viral video prompting discussion on social media.
