A performance by Punjabi singer Daler Mehndi at an event in Uttarakhand has landed in controversy after state cabinet minister Subodh Uniyal went on stage and asked him to stop singing. A video of the incident has since gone viral on social media.
What happened at Kunjapuri fair
Daler Mehndi was performing on Sunday at the Kunjapuri Fair in Uttarakhand’s Tehri district. The cultural programme was part of the
Navratri celebrations. Subodh Uniyal, who is also the MLA for Narendranagar, objected to the performance and walked onto the stage.
Subodh Uniyal told the singer that the event was dedicated to the worship of Goddess Durga and that performing under the influence of alcohol was not appropriate. Standing right next to the singer, he said, “There is a Durga Mata programme for Navratri, and you are singing at the event after drinking alcohol, which is not appropriate.”
The minister added that the religious nature of the celebrations required performers to respect the occasion’s dignity and decorum. The Kunjapuri Fair is an important religious and cultural gathering in the region.
'You are making a fool of us'
Subodh Uniyal also spoke about why the singer had been invited.
“We called you so that our people could be entertained. You are making a fool of us,” he said. “This is wrong. It’s wrong. You have a big name; we should respect that. You were called because you have a big name.”
Daler Mehndi’s response in the video
In the clip, Daler Mehndi appeared to interrupt the minister. He said, “Sir, I request you with folded hands...please leave the stage."
The singer has not yet responded to the incident and allegations as of now.
Disclaimer: We have not independently verified whether the singer was under the influence of alcohol. This report only covers what was said and seen in the viral video.