Jaipur, Jan. 9 -- Leader of the Opposition Tikaram Jully has alleged that illegal mining in the state is being run with the direct connivance of the government and ruling-party legislators, while highlighting the rising attacks on police personnel in Rajasthan. Referring to a recent such incident in Kekri, Jully termed it "shameful" and said the state is witnessing the rule of the mafia instead of the rule of law. He pointed out that an ASI had admitted that a legislator pressured him to not act in an alleged illegal mining case and was subsequently transferred. "If the police are not safe, how can the common people expect protection?" Jully asked, claiming that the mining mafia enjoys political protection. "While tall claims are made about protecting the environment, the reality is that the Aravallis are being torn apart, and the sand mafia has been given a free hand," he alleged. Jully demanded a clear response from chief minister Bhajan Lal Sharma, asking whether the government intends to act against those involved or shield them. He claimed that from day one, the Congress has alleged the involvement of ministers and MLAs in illegal mining. "If these allegations are false, why is the CM hesitating to order a high-level inquiry? Why is the role of the MLA in the Kekri case not being investigated?" he questioned. Warning the government ahead of the upcoming Budget Session of the assembly, Jully said the opposition would not allow the matter to be brushed aside. He said the government must clarify whether it plans to take strict action against the mafia or continue with a "protect and profit" policy. Commenting on the issue, BJP state secretary Ekta Agarwal said that during the Congress government, the mining mafia had a free run, and even party MLAs and ministers were allegedly involved in illegal mining. She claimed that saints were compelled to commit suicide or stage protests because of illegal mining. Agarwal further alleged that during a political crisis, Congress leaders had even stayed at hotels linked to the sand mafia. She said the Congress was making baseless statements to divert attention from its own failures....