“Mafia Raj Has Taken Deep Roots”: BJP Storms Into Himachal Vidhan Sabha, Targets Govt Over Illegal Felling, Mining and Liquor Nexus. 300 trees were felled in Shillai by Congress leader, alleges Thakur...
Shimla: High political drama unfolded outside the Himachal Pradesh Vidhan Sabha on the second day of the Budget Session as BJP legislators, led by Leader of Opposition Jairam Thakur, marched from the main gate carrying banners and placards, raising slogans against the Sukhu government and accusing it of patronising “mafia raj” in the state.
Shouting slogans against what they termed as unchecked “forest, mining, liquor and scrap mafias,” the BJP MLAs staged a protest march before entering the House, alleging that the state machinery has turned a blind eye while illegal activities flourish across Himachal.
Speaking to the media before entering the Assembly, Jai Ram Thakur said the BJP deliberately chose to raise the issue publicly before taking it inside the House.
“We wanted to put facts before the people of the state first. This issue of illegal felling and mafia raj will be strongly raised inside the Vidhan Sabha,” he asserted.
Launching a scathing attack, Thakur alleged that “mafia raj has spread its roots deep in Himachal Pradesh like never before.” He claimed that various mafias—ranging from mining and liquor to forest and scrap—are operating openly because they enjoy “full protection from the government.”
Citing specific incidents, the former Chief Minister pointed to alleged large-scale illegal tree felling in areas like Shillai in Sirmaur district and Dharampur in Mandi.
“Permissions were reportedly given for a limited number of trees, but on the ground, hundreds—over 300 trees—were cut without approval. This is not a small violation; it is organised loot of forest wealth,” he said.
Thakur even displayed photographs of felled trees to substantiate his claims, alleging that individuals linked to the ruling establishment were involved. “In one case, a person associated with the Congress ecosystem openly admitted to cutting trees. Despite this, no action has been taken,” he charged.
He further alleged that in another case in Mandi, timber was illegally felled and stacked in large quantities in anticipation of future permissions. “When the matter came to light, attempts were made to destroy evidence using machines and even dump wood into nearby riverbeds,” he claimed.
Taking a broader swipe at governance, Thakur said the situation reflects a complete collapse of law enforcement. “Whether it is forest mafia, mining mafia, liquor mafia or even drug networks—there is no fear of the law. The government has given them a free run,” he said.
The BJP leader also questioned the government’s priorities, alleging that instead of cracking down on illegal activities, those in power are shielding offenders. “This is not just administrative failure; it appears to be a case of political patronage,” he added.
With tempers already running high, the opposition is expected to corner the government inside the Assembly, turning the issue of alleged illegal felling and mafia nexus into a major flashpoint in the ongoing Budget Session.
