PATHANKOT, Nov. 29 -- Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Punjab working president Ashwani Sharma on Friday accused chief minister Bhagwant Mann of overlooking serious allegations of rampant illegal mining across the state.

In a statement, Sharma said, "Instead of responding responsibly as the head of the state, the chief minister is resorting to evasion and theatrics inspired by Arvind Kejriwal."

He said that when an elected MLA raises an issue of public importance, it is the chief minister's duty to take note, initiate an inquiry, and ensure accountability. "But rather than acknowledging the problem, the chief minister keeps repeating scripted political lines," he added.

Sharma reiterated that illegal mining continues unchecked in the Ravi ...