Uttarakhand Minister Subodh Uniyal Stops Daler Mehndi’s Performance at Kunjapuri Mela

Uniyal is known for his distinctive public demeanour, ranging from light-hearted humour to outspoken remarks, an aggressive approach and a stern tone. However, his intervention during Mehndi’s performance has brought him into the spotlight beyond his constituency.

Daler Mehndi had been invited to perform at the Kunjapuri Mela in Tehri, an event held within Uniyal’s Narendra Nagar Assembly constituency. During the performance, the cabinet minister arrived on stage and had the programme stopped midway.

Addressing the singer, Uniyal reportedly said, “You are not even able to speak properly; how will you sing?” The minister expressed displeasure over Mehndi’s singing and insisted that the performance be stopped. He also stressed that the decorum of a religious programme should be respected.

Some local residents alleged that Daler Mehndi was performing under the influence of alcohol. The allegation reportedly angered Uniyal, who objected to the manner in which the performance was being conducted. Following the minister’s intervention, Mehndi apologised to the people present at the venue.

The incident has drawn contrasting reactions, with local residents praising the minister’s decision to interrupt the performance, while the singer was required to apologise following the objection.

Four-Time MLA Subodh Uniyal

Subodh Uniyal serves as Uttarakhand’s Cabinet Minister for Medical and Forest portfolios. He represents the Narendra Nagar Assembly constituency in Tehri Garhwal district and has won the seat four times.

Uniyal first won the constituency in 2002 on a Congress ticket. In 2007, he lost to UKD candidate Om Gopal Rawat by a margin of just four votes. He returned to the Assembly in 2012, winning the seat again as a Congress candidate.

In 2016, when a rebellion against Harish Rawat took place within the Congress, Uniyal was among those who joined the BJP. He subsequently won the Narendra Nagar seat on a BJP ticket in both 2017 and 2022.

With four Assembly victories to his name, Uniyal remains a prominent political figure in the state. He also serves as a spokesperson for the Uttarakhand government. His intervention at the Kunjapuri Mela has now placed his handling of a public cultural and religious event in the spotlight.