Bali resorting to 'political manoeuvring', says HP CM

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh today described the reported resignation by Transport minister G S Bali as "political manoeuvring" and said it was a ploy to put pressure for change in portfolios.
"I have not received any resignation from Transport minister and as per reports, he has submitted it to Ahmed Patel, who is not the right person and even Bali knows it," he told reporters here on his return from Delhi.
When asked about reports that Bali was not happy with interference in his departments, Singh said that "he is holding two important portfolios and has never expressed any resentment and his performance is good and I can only ask him to get back to work".

Singh said that the portfolios were allotted keeping in view the capability and experience of ministers with the approval of the high command and the time chosen by the Transport minister to resign was not opportune and it was "ill-timed" move.
He said that he gave freedom to handle their departments and he never meddled in department of any minister.
However, Bali when contacted was non-committal on his resignation but vehemently denied the charge that he was using pressure tactics to get his portfolios changed.

"I am happy with my portfolios and there was no interference in my department from any quarter but I have nothing to comment on the inferences drawn by the Chief Minister, who is a seasoned and experienced leader", he said.

Bali, who was scheduled to leave for Delhi this evening but deferred his departure after meeting Governor Urmilla Singh, said that he would attend the dinner being hosted by Governor in the honour of visiting President tonight.
The Transport minister, who has returned his official vehicle, did not attend the office and said "I will leave for Delhi tomorrow and enjoy holidays".