CM Dhami speaks to Daler Mehndi amid 'drunk' row, urges dialogue to end rift

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Friday said he had spoken to singer Daler Mehndi and discussed the controversy surrounding allegations by BJP MLA Subodh Uniyal that the singer was drunk during his Navratri performance in Tehri a few days ago. In a post on X, the CM said he had enquired about Mehndi's well-being and highlighted Uttarakhand's tradition of treating guests as God.

The post came hours after Mika Singh, Mehndi's younger brother, urged Dhami to get Uniyal to issue a video apology for "disrespecting" the Punjabi singer and making "false" accusations against him. Dhami, however, did not address the apology request or name Uniyal in his post.

"Had a phone conversation with the renowned singer Shri @dalermehndi ji to inquire



about his well-being. During this, there was also a discussion regarding the recent events that took place," he wrote.

Dhami added that Uttarakhand would continue to respect and welcome art and artists. "Devbhoomi Uttarakhand is the carrier of the rich tradition of ‘Atithi Devo Bhava’ [Guest is God]. Our folk culture, warm hospitality, and the spirit of harmony are the unique identity of Devbhoomi. Art, culture, and artists have always been welcomed and honored here (sic)," he said.

The CM concluded his note by saying that the government wanted to put the controversy behind it through dialogue. "Our effort is to leave this incident behind and move forward with mutual dialogue, harmony, and a spirit of positivity (sic)," he wrote.