Shimla, March 20 -- The BJP staged a protest at assembly complex on the fifth day of the ongoing budget session, accusing the state government of "allowing mafia rule and failing to act against illegal activities", such as forest felling and mining.

The protest was held against the backdrop of allegations of large-scale tree felling in Shillai, Mandi and other parts of the state. The protest was led by Leader of Opposition and former chief minister Jai Ram Thakur, along with BJP legislators, ahead of the start of Thursday's proceedings.

Speaking to the media, Thakur alleged that different mafias including forest, mining, scrap, liquor and drug networks were operating freely in the state with alleged government patronage.

Referring to a...