Uttarakhand Minister Confronts Daler Mehndi On Stage Over Alleged Intoxication at Navratri Fair

India: A viral video of a tense on-stage confrontation has drawn widespread attention after Uttarakhand Cabinet Minister Subodh Uniyal interrupted singer Daler Mehndi during a live performance, accusing the Punjabi artist of appearing intoxicated and failing to deliver a proper show.

The incident occurred on the night of 19 October 2026 at the annual Siddhpeeth Maa Kunjapuri Tourism and Development Fair in Narendranagar, Tehri district. The cultural programme formed part of Navratri celebrations dedicated to the worship of Goddess Durga. Mehndi, 59, was performing when Uniyal, the local MLA and state forest minister, stepped onto the stage and publicly questioned the quality of the act.

In the widely circulated footage, Uniyal can be heard telling the singer: “You can’t even speak, so how are you going to sing?” He further alleged that Mehndi had consumed alcohol, was disoriented, struggled to stand steadily and was largely lip-syncing rather than singing live. The minister also referred to the substantial fee paid for the appearance, reported to be in the region of ₹35 lakh, stating that organisers had invited a big-name artist for public entertainment and expected a professional performance in keeping with the religious occasion.

Mehndi is seen responding by requesting the minister, with folded hands, to leave the stage so that the programme could continue. Other performers and stage staff appear in the background as the exchange unfolds in front of the audience.

Speaking later to media, Uniyal maintained that the singer had seemed disoriented and had not done justice to his reputation or the payment received. He emphasised that performing under the influence at an event linked to Durga worship was inappropriate.

In a subsequent defence of his brother, singer Mika Singh rejected claims that Daler Mehndi had been drinking. Mika stated that the veteran artist was recovering from a recent major surgery and appeared unwell as a result. He challenged critics by declaring he would quit music if anyone could prove Daler Mehndi consumes alcohol, while acknowledging that organisers had the right to question the standard of a paid performance.