Tehri, October 20, 2026: Punjabi singer Daler Mehndi has found himself at the centre of a controversy after Uttarakhand Cabinet Minister Subodh Uniyal interrupted his performance at the Siddhpeeth Maa Kunjapuri Tourism and Development Fair in Tehri and alleged that the singer was under the influence of alcohol.
A video of the confrontation has gone viral on social media, showing Uniyal walking onto the stage and questioning Mehndi’s ability to continue performing.
Minister Confronts Daler Mehndi on Stage
The incident reportedly took place during a cultural evening at the Kunjapuri fair in Narendra Nagar, Tehri Garhwal.
Uniyal, who is also the local MLA, interrupted the performance after reportedly expressing dissatisfaction with Mehndi’s singing and conduct on stage.
Singer Accused of Being Intoxicated
During the confrontation, Uniyal alleged that Mehndi had consumed alcohol and was not performing properly.
In the viral video, the minister can reportedly be heard questioning the singer’s ability to perform, claiming that he was struggling to speak clearly.
However, the allegation of intoxication has not been independently established.
Minister Raises Concerns Over Religious Decorum
Uniyal reportedly said the event was associated with Navratri and the worship of Goddess Durga, stressing the importance of maintaining decorum at a religious and cultural gathering.
He criticised the singer’s alleged conduct and said the organisers had invited Mehndi because of his reputation and expected an appropriate performance.
Lip-Syncing Allegations Also Surface
Apart from the allegation of intoxication, questions were also raised about whether Mehndi was lip-syncing during parts of the performance.
Media reports suggested that apparent inconsistencies between the singer’s voice and the background track contributed to dissatisfaction among some audience members and organisers.
These claims have added another dimension to the controversy surrounding the event.
Viral Video Triggers Online Debate
Clips of the confrontation have spread across social media, prompting debate over the conduct of both the singer and the minister.
Some users supported Uniyal’s intervention, arguing that decorum should be maintained at a religious event. Others questioned whether the matter should have been handled publicly on stage rather than through the organisers.
Daler Mehndi Yet to Issue a Detailed Response
At the time of the reported developments, Daler Mehndi had not issued a detailed public response to the allegations.
The claim that the singer was intoxicated remains an allegation made by the minister and should not be treated as an established fact.
Event Reportedly Resumed After Brief Disruption
According to local reports, the programme resumed after a brief interruption and concluded as scheduled.
However, the incident has continued to attract attention online as videos of the confrontation circulate across social media platforms.
Controversy Puts Cultural Event in the Spotlight
What was intended to be a major cultural performance has turned into a controversy involving a prominent Punjabi singer and a state cabinet minister.
Further responses from Daler Mehndi, the minister or the event organisers may provide additional clarity about the incident and the circumstances surrounding the interruption.
Source: The Indian Express, Hindustan Times, India Today, The Tribune
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