Uttarakhand cabinet minister Subodh Uniyal has denied reports that he apologised to singer Daler Mehndi following their public confrontation at the Kunjapuri Mela.
Uniyal said there was no question of him expressing regret.
In an interview with Satya Vani, Uniyal dismissed claims that he had apologised to the singer after interrupting his performance at a cultural event in New Tehri on October 18.
“Mera maafi maangne ka prashn hi nahi hai. Tell me, have I committed any crime that I should apologise?” he said.
The minister also questioned Mehndi’s decision to attend the event despite reportedly being unwell, arguing that the singer should have informed the organisers and audience about his health condition.
“If he was unwell, he should not have come. Even if he did come, he should have informed the audience that he was unwell. I ask, who is the one at fault? Apradh kiya hai Rs. 26 lakh le kar ke janta ki jo umeedein thi, unpe paani pherne ka inhone”.
The controversy erupted when Mehndi was performing at the cultural evening of the Siddhpeeth Maa Kunjapuri Tourism and Development Fair in New Tehri on October 18. Uniyal interrupted the singer mid-performance and questioned his condition on stage and his inability to sing.
The incident drew criticism, with actors Rajpal Yadav, Kapil Sharma and Anupam Kher, along with singer Shaan, expressing support for Mehndi and saying that he had not been keeping well.
Mika Singh subsequently met Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami and said the chief minister had apologised on Uniyal’s behalf.