Punjabi singer Maninder Buttar has expressed disappointment and shock over remarks made by Uttarakhand Cabinet Minister Subodh Uniyal, who claimed that Buttar had been beaten up during an event in the state. Responding to the allegation, the singer has challenged the minister to make the complete, unedited recording of his 2019 performance in Uttarakhand public so that people can judge the matter for themselves.
 

Speaking during an Instagram Live session on Monday, Buttar recalled his experience at the event and questioned why the minister had made what he described as insulting remarks about him and his father in front of cameras.
 

The singer said he had performed for approximately one and a half hours at the 2019 show. According to Buttar, the minister himself had come onto the stage during the event, honoured him by placing a traditional hill cap on his head, and showed him respect. Buttar added that he had continued performing while wearing the cap for the remainder of the show.
 

Describing the event as a successful performance, Buttar said he could not understand why the minister had subsequently made such comments about him and his family.
 

Addressing Uniyal with respect, the singer said that such language was unbecoming of someone holding a ministerial position. He maintained that he had performed across the country without deliberately hurting anyone's sentiments and had never sung inappropriate songs. He also stated that he had never performed under the influence of alcohol or other intoxicating substances.
 

Buttar reiterated that his only request was for the original recording of the 2019 event to be released publicly. He said this would allow people to watch the footage and form their own opinions about what had happened.
 

How the Daler Mehndi Controversy Began
 

The controversy erupted during a performance by renowned Punjabi singer Daler Mehndi at the Kunjapuri fair in New Tehri, Uttarakhand. During the event, Minister Subodh Uniyal reportedly interrupted the performance and accused Mehndi of being under the influence of intoxicants.
 

While addressing Mehndi in front of the audience, the minister referred to Maninder Buttar and claimed that the singer had been beaten during an earlier visit to the state. He also made a remark suggesting that the incident had been so severe that even Buttar's father would not dare to return.
 

The remarks triggered a reaction from the Punjabi music industry, with questions being raised about the treatment of performers at public events and the language used by public representatives.
 

Mika Singh Condemns the Minister’s Remarks
 

Punjabi singer Mika Singh also criticised the minister's conduct following the incident. He said artists have their own dignity and self-respect, and publicly humiliating a performer in this manner was inappropriate for someone holding a ministerial position.
 

Mika Singh also demanded an apology from the minister over his remarks.
 

Meanwhile, according to the report, Uniyal has continued to stand by his position, while Maninder Buttar has called for the complete recording of his 2019 performance to be made public.