Dehradun, Uttarakhand: The Daler Mehndi controversy in Uttarakhand has drawn attention on social media and in political circles following an incident at a cultural programme in Narendra Nagar. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has spoken to Punjabi pop singer Daler Mehndi by phone, enquiring about his well-being and discussing the ongoing dispute.
The controversy arose during a live concert at the Siddhpeeth Kunjapuri Tourism and Development Fair, where the singer’s performance reportedly relied on a dubbed background soundtrack. The incident prompted objections from members of the local audience and led to a public exchange between the singer and Uttarakhand Cabinet Minister Subodh Uniyal.
Amid the debate, CM Dhami has called for dialogue, mutual respect and a constructive resolution.
प्रसिद्ध गायक श्री @dalermehndi जी से फोन पर वार्ता कर उनका कुशलक्षेम जाना। इस दौरान विगत दिनों हुए घटनाक्रम के संबंध में भी चर्चा हुई।
देवभूमि उत्तराखण्ड ‘अतिथि देवो भवः’ की समृद्ध परंपरा का संवाहक है। हमारी लोकसंस्कृति, आत्मीय आतिथ्य और सौहार्द की भावना ही देवभूमि की विशिष्ट पहचान है। यहां कला, संस्कृति और कलाकारों का सदैव स्वागत एवं सम्मान किया जाता रहा है।
हमारा प्रयास है कि इस घटनाक्रम को पीछे छोड़कर आपसी संवाद, सौहार्द और सकारात्मकता की भावना के साथ आगे बढ़ा जाए।
— Pushkar Singh Dhami (@pushkardhami) October 23, 2026
CM Dhami Emphasises Uttarakhand’s Tradition of Hospitality
Speaking about the matter, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami highlighted Uttarakhand’s tradition of Atithi Devo Bhava, which regards guests with respect and hospitality.
He said the state’s folk culture, warmth and spirit of harmony are integral to its identity. According to the Chief Minister, artists and cultural performers have always been welcomed and respected in Devbhoomi.
Dhami expressed hope that the incident could be left behind through dialogue, mutual understanding and a positive approach.
The Chief Minister had earlier appealed to people not to escalate the controversy. He also indicated that he would speak to Daler Mehndi and Mika Singh to discuss the matter.
Mika Singh Requests Clarification and an Apology
The controversy took another turn after Mika Singh shared a social media post praising the Chief Minister for personally contacting him to discuss the issue involving Daler Mehndi.
Mika Singh expressed respect for Dhami and described the phone call as a positive step towards resolving the dispute. He also made a request concerning Cabinet Minister Subodh Uniyal’s remarks about the singer’s performance.
According to Mika Singh, Uniyal should clarify his statement through a short video and apologise to Daler Mehndi over the allegation that the singer was under the influence of intoxicants during his performance.
Mika Singh also acknowledged that misunderstandings can occur but said they should be resolved respectfully. He expressed hope that the issue would be settled while protecting Daler Mehndi’s dignity and reputation.
His comments have added another dimension to the debate, with the focus shifting towards whether a clarification and dialogue can bring the matter to a close.
प्रसिद्ध गायक श्री @dalermehndi जी से फोन पर वार्ता कर उनका कुशलक्षेम जाना। इस दौरान विगत दिनों हुए घटनाक्रम के संबंध में भी चर्चा हुई।
देवभूमि उत्तराखण्ड ‘अतिथि देवो भवः’ की समृद्ध परंपरा का संवाहक है। हमारी लोकसंस्कृति, आत्मीय आतिथ्य और सौहार्द की भावना ही देवभूमि की विशिष्ट पहचान है। यहां कला, संस्कृति और कलाकारों का सदैव स्वागत एवं सम्मान किया जाता रहा है।
हमारा प्रयास है कि इस घटनाक्रम को पीछे छोड़कर आपसी संवाद, सौहार्द और सकारात्मकता की भावना के साथ आगे बढ़ा जाए।
— Pushkar Singh Dhami (@pushkardhami) October 23, 2026
How the Daler Mehndi Controversy Began at Kunjapuri Mela
The dispute originated during a cultural evening at the Siddhpeeth Kunjapuri Tourism and Development Fair in Narendra Nagar, Tehri Garhwal.
Daler Mehndi was performing live when the use of a dubbed background soundtrack reportedly drew objections from sections of the local audience. The issue soon escalated, prompting Cabinet Minister Subodh Uniyal to approach the stage and express his displeasure directly to the singer.
The exchange subsequently became a topic of discussion on social media, attracting reactions from people in the entertainment industry and beyond.
While the performance triggered the initial disagreement, subsequent remarks and calls for clarification have kept the controversy in the public eye.
Will Dialogue Bring the Controversy to an End?
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami’s conversations with Daler Mehndi and Mika Singh indicate an effort to address the dispute through communication. Mika Singh’s request for a clarification and apology has also brought attention to the importance of resolving disagreements without further escalation.
The next developments may depend on whether the parties involved offer further clarification or agree on a way forward.
For now, the Daler Mehndi controversy has become a prominent discussion surrounding Uttarakhand’s cultural events, public conduct and the relationship between artists and public representatives.