Uttarakhand chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami spoke to singer Mika Singh over the phone on Thursday amid the controversy surrounding his brother, singer Daler Mehndi, and state cabinet minister Subodh Uniyal.
Dhami said “any misunderstanding or difference of opinion should be resolved through dialogue and in a cordial atmosphere”.
He added artists from across the country and the world are welcome in the state and are be treated with due respect. “In ‘Devbhoomi’ Uttarakhand, artists from across the country and the world are welcomed and respected wholeheartedly.
Officials aware of the matter said Dhami emphasised the importance of communication and mutual understanding during the conversation. “Uttarakhand has always followed the principle of ‘Atithi Devo Bhava’ and welcomed guests with warmth and respect,” the chief minister said. The state government remains firmly committed to honouring art, culture and artists,” Dhami said.
Cabinet minister Subodh Uniyal walked onto the stage, interrupted the singer and publicly reprimanded him, accusing him of lip-syncing instead of singing live and claiming he was unable to speak or perform properly. Uniyal also alleged that Mehndi was under the influence of alcohol and reportedly pointed out that he had received an advance payment of ₹ 35 lakh.
Earlier in the day, during a press conference, Dhami had said he would speak to both Mika Singh and Daler Mehndi over the controversy, which has drawn attention across the country. Asked about the confrontation between Uniyal and Daler Mehndi, Dhami said the minister had already addressed the matter. “Look, I believe that since there was likely pressure from the public at the time—and the honourable minister, Subodh Uniyal, stated yesterday that he was unaware of Daler Mehndi’s poor health—the minister himself has already come forward to address it,” Dhami said. The chief minister said the artists involved were accomplished personalities and stressed that Uttarakhand respected writers, artists and scholars. The minister himself has already clarified,” Dhami said when asked about the controversy at a press conference. Earlier reporting noted: He said the artists involved are accomplished and that Uttarakhand respects writers, artists and scholars. “Given the circumstances that arose due to public pressure at the time, and since the minister has already issued a statement clarifying that he had no such intent, I believe it is time to bring this matter to a close,” Dhami said.
Earlier reporting noted: “I believe that since there was likely pressure from the public at the time and the minister [Uniyal] stated that he was unaware of Daler Mehndi’s poor health. Earlier reporting noted: Pushkar Singh Dhami to speak to Daler Mehndi after Uttarakhand minister’s row with singer Chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Thursday said he would speak to singers Mika Singh and Daler Mehndi, his brother, amid the controversy over Uttarakhand minister Subodh Uniyal’s remarks and confrontation with Mehndi at a public event.
