Sunil Chadha

Dharamshala: RS Bali, the Chairman of the Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (HPTDC), spoke at a press conference held at Hotel Dhauladhar on Monday, where he addressed various financial and property-related issues concerning his family.

Bali recounted his family's entrepreneurial journey, stating, “My father founded a well-known utensil brand, Ruchi Cooker, before he ventured into politics in the 1980s.”

He added, “The same location now operates as a hospital under a reputable brand. Additionally, we owned a small market in Kangra and a Raj hotel, which hosted large lunch events, or Dham, during my father's electoral victories in 1998.”

Discussing his involvement in the family business, he remarked, “Upon joining, I leased out most of our properties to prominent brands. As a second-generation entrepreneur, I decided to enter politics after my father, GS Bali, passed away, although I could have continued in business.”

Bali also responded to recent controversies regarding the acquisition of a hotel, stating, “I merely assisted a distressed family who was selling their property. My family secured an ₹18 crore loan for this purchase, and I possess all necessary bank documents to verify this transaction,” emphasizing his commitment to transparency.

Regarding his financial contributions, Bali noted, “I am among the highest taxpayers in the state, contributing ₹1.75 crore annually, which includes nearly ₹50 lakh from rental income. As a politician, it is my responsibility to clarify matters to the people of Himachal Pradesh—I have nothing to conceal.”

He announced plans to take legal action against those spreading defamatory statements about his family, asserting, “Certain individuals have slandered my wife and sister. I will pursue legal recourse to combat these false claims.”

In closing, Bali reiterated his dedication to the development of Himachal Pradesh, emphasizing his focus on enhancing the state's tourism sector while maintaining transparency and ethical standards.