The controversy involving Punjabi singer Daler Mehndi and Uttarakhand Cabinet Minister Subodh Uniyal has taken a fresh turn, with the minister firmly denying that he apologised to the singer. His statement contradicts an earlier claim by singer Mika Singh's team, which had said that Uniyal apologised to Daler Mehndi over the phone.
 

According to a report that emerged on Monday night, Uniyal rejected the suggestion that he should apologise, saying there was no question of doing so. The conflicting statements have added another dimension to the dispute, which began during a musical performance at a fair in Uttarakhand.
 

Earlier, Mika Singh's team had issued a statement claiming that the minister apologised to Daler Mehndi during a telephone conversation. The team welcomed the reported gesture and stressed the importance of respecting the dignity and self-respect of artists. It also expressed hope that the matter would be put behind them and that everyone would move forward with mutual respect.
 

However, Uniyal subsequently denied having apologised. When asked directly whether he had said sorry to Daler Mehndi, the minister reportedly responded, “There is no question of my apologising.” He also questioned why he should apologise, asking whether he had committed any offence.
 

How the Daler Mehndi Controversy Started
 

The incident took place on October 18 during the Kunjapuri Fair in Uttarakhand's Tehri Garhwal district. Daler Mehndi was performing on stage when Uniyal interrupted his act.
 

The minister accused the singer of being under the influence of alcohol and alleged that he was moving his lips instead of singing. The incident was recorded, and the video subsequently went viral on social media, drawing widespread attention and criticism.
 

Following the incident, Mika Singh publicly supported his elder brother and called on the minister to apologise for his conduct. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami also spoke with both singers and invited them to visit the state.
 

Minister Questions Singer's Decision to Perform
 

Uniyal also expressed displeasure over reports claiming that he had apologised to Daler Mehndi. Defending his position, the minister argued that if the singer was not feeling well, he should either have cancelled the performance or informed the event organisers and audience about his health condition beforehand.
 

The minister maintained his position despite the claims made by Mika Singh's team regarding the alleged telephone apology.
 

The dispute has brought the issue of artists' dignity and the conduct of public representatives at cultural events into focus. With the minister denying the reported apology, the disagreement between the two sides remains unresolved.