HP minister resigns after sting op

Himachal Tourism and Transport Minister G S Bali has resigned following media reports relating to a “sting operation” by a private TV channel that showed dancing girls at his birthday party in McLeodganj. The resignation came on Saturday after Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh asked Bali to quit.

Minutes after resigning, the minister reacted sharply to the developments. “After all this is shown on TV, I can’t stay as minister for a minute. Chief Minister has not spoken to me yet but I have myself decided to quit and go back to the masses for justice. It’s a conspiracy against me and I will fight it out.”

“This was a party hosted by a friend. My wife, daughter and son-in-law were also present. Others were there with their families,” he added.

“I have taken note of reports and informed the party high command of my action,” Virbhadra Singh told The Sunday Express over phone.