Bali using pressure tactics to get new portfolios: Virbhadra

“Bali is indulging in pressure tactics to get his portfolios changed,though I know he has been very successful in handling transport and food and civil supplies departments. Both are quite challenging and important portfolios. Now,he apparently wants health and family welfare,which are with Kaul Singh Thakur. But I am not going to bow to any pressure,” Virbhadra told The Indian Express.

Bali,however,was quick to contest the chief minister’s claim. “I wonder when had I raised any demand for portfolios. I don’t think that is an issue. If the chief minister is saying so,it is his own assumption. I have raised a few issues about governance in my own departments. The matter is now with the party high command,” he said.

Asked whether Bali had raised issues about interference in his departments and lack of a free hand,Virbhadra said: “I have never interference in the working of any minister. All get a free hand. So does Bali.” Ruling out the possibility that portfolios of ministers will be changed,the chief minister said: “The government I am heading is stable and enjoys the confidence of the people. I do not think Bali has chosen a right a time to stir a crisis as Mandi bypoll is coming up. Moreover,the President is also visiting the state.”

“If Bali comes to me,he will be asked to return to work. This a wrong tactic. I will give him reasonable time and thereafter,take appropriate action,” he said,claiming that if Bali was serious about quitting,he would have addressed his resignation to the chief minister. Virbhadra added that AICC General Secretary Birender Singh has claimed that had Bali sent him his resignation,he would have accepted it.

CM and I on same page on good governance:Bali

Senior Congress leader G S Bali,who on Wednesday had resigned as a Himachal cabinet minister,on Thursday said he and Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh were on the “same page” when it came to “good governance”. However,but there are certain issues,which he had brought to the notice of the party that needs urgent resolution,he claimed. Bali,who had held the ministries of transport,food and civil supplies and technical education,claimed he was happy with the portfolios and had tried his best to do justice to his job. Ens