Thank you for all the contributors to this topic. i have had many days of frustrations trying all the permutations of various settings but couldnt fix the set of problems as mentioned above.. learnt new insights.
One question though: on VEConfigure on the charger tab, i have the "configured for VE.Bus BMS" unchecked. seems to be working fine as is .
Would like to know the settings of other users...
System: Victron components with BV26V mini batteries