Popular Punjabi singer Daler Mehndi was publicly confronted by Uttarakhand Cabinet Minister Subodh Uniyal during a performance at the Kunjapuri Mela in Tehri, Uttarakhand on Navratri, after the minister alleged the singer was performing under the influence of alcohol. A video of the heated on-stage exchange has since gone viral across social media platforms.

What Happened on Stage

Minister Uniyal reportedly walked up to Mehndi mid-event and challenged him directly, saying: 'Bol toh jaa nahi raha, gaana kya gaoge? (You can't even speak properly, so how will you sing?)'

The minister went on to remind the singer of his professional and moral responsibility toward the audience, saying: 'Itna paisa deke aapko humne bulaya hai. Iss liye bulaya taaki humare logon ko entertain ho. Aap bewakoof bana rahe hai humein. Galat baat hai. You are a big name. Aapko iss liye bulaya gaya tha kyunki aap bada naam hai. (We called you so that our people could be entertained. You are making a fool of us. You have a big name — that is why we called you.)'

Uniyal further emphasised the religious sanctity of the Navratri occasion, expressing disappointment at the apparent lack of decorum on stage.

Singer's Response

In an attempt to defuse the situation, Daler Mehndi reportedly responded: 'Sir, I request you with folded hands...please leave the stage.' The exchange, however, did little to calm tensions, and the video of the confrontation quickly spread online.

Public Reaction

The clip has drawn a sharp and divided response on social media. One user wrote: 'IDK, but Daler Mehndi is looking so much out of touch with reality. No host will ever want to disrespect an invitee like that. I think I am feeling sorry for Daler M. That is poor Mr Daler; your energy is what not showing up there!'

Another comment read: 'Galat baat hai, sharab pee ke he's disrespecting the stage. Sharam aani chahiye. I'm a Punjabi myself, Subodh ji is correct.'

A third commenter offered a more political framing: 'Daler paaji is a fantastic singer but he's clearly intoxicated and slurring words here. BJP and other such party people need to stop entertaining such characters nationwide especially for religious programs.'

Context and Significance

The Kunjapuri Mela is a significant religious gathering in the Tehri region of Uttarakhand, held during the Navratri festival — a period of heightened religious observance across much of northern India. Public performances at such events are held to a higher standard of conduct, making the alleged behaviour particularly sensitive in the local context.

Neither Daler Mehndi's representatives nor the state government have issued a formal statement on the matter as of 19 October 2026. The incident is likely to put a spotlight on conduct standards at state-organised cultural events going forward.