‘You can’t even speak; how will you sing?’ Minister confronts Daler Mehndi at Uttarakhand Mela

New Delhi: Uttarakhand Cabinet Minister Subodh Uniyal confronted Punjabi singer Daler Mehndi during a cultural programme at the Kunjapuri Mela in Narendra Nagar, Tehri district, over allegations that the singer was under the influence of alcohol while performing. The minister asked Mehndi to stop his performance, saying such behaviour was inappropriate at an event held during Navratri.

A video showing the exchange has gone viral on social media, drawing attention to the incident. Uniyal, who represents the Narendra Nagar constituency, reportedly stepped onto the stage after noticing the singer’s condition during the night-time programme.

Subodh Uniyal questions Daler Mehndi on stage

During the confrontation, Uniyal reminded Mehndi that the event was associated with the worship of Goddess Durga and that performers were expected to respect its religious significance.

The minister objected to the singer allegedly appearing intoxicated while performing at the fair. He stressed that the occasion was meant to uphold religious traditions and maintain the dignity of the Navratri celebrations.

“Bol toh jaa nahi raha, gaana kya gaoge?” Uniyal can be heard saying in the viral video. The remark translates to, “You can’t even speak, so how are you going to sing?”

Watch video here:

दिलेर मेहंदी पर फूटा कैबिनेट मंत्री सुबोध उनियाल का गुस्सा

उत्तराखंड में एक कार्यक्रम के दौरान मशहूर पंजाबी सिंगर दिलेर मेहंदी को भजन गाने के लिए बुलाया गया था। जहां मौजूद मंत्री सुबोध उनियाल ने कहा, बोल तो पा नहीं रहे गाना क्या गाओगे!

आखिर क्यों नहीं बोल पा रहे थे दिलेर मेहंदी?

— Bhupi Panwar (@askbhupi) October 19, 2026

The exchange quickly became a talking point in the region. Several people supported the minister’s intervention, arguing that proper decorum should be maintained during religious events. However, the allegation regarding Mehndi’s condition during the performance has not been independently established.

Kunjapuri Mela holds religious and cultural significance

The Kunjapuri Mela, held in the Narendra Nagar area of Tehri district, is associated with religious faith and local cultural traditions. Events organised during Navratri hold particular significance for devotees, making conduct during public programmes an important issue for organisers and attendees.

The incident has brought the relationship between entertainment programmes and religious observances into focus, with the viral video prompting discussion about the expectations placed on performers at such gatherings.