Panaji, Jan 24 (TOI): Union Ayush minister Shripad Naik on Wednesday said the government has zeroed in on a solution to the mining imbroglio during a recent meeting and that it will be placed before the people within the next 15 days Naik who refused to disclose what is happening on the mining front or make any political comment on any development in the state, said when everything is finalized the plan will be revealed to all.

The BJP-led government has been caught in a bind over the mining issue ahead of the bypolls in two constituencies and the parliamentary election. Naik was at the receiving end during his recent visit to Narvem, Bicholim, one of the worst affected talukas since mining stopped in February 2018. Around 150 mining dependants demanded to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and question why it has taken so long to resume the activity.

With regards to political development in Mandrem, Naik sidestepped questions on who will be given a ticket, and whether it is acceptable for a senior member like former chief minister Laxmikant Parsekar to be sidelined.

Parsekar has made it clear that his party’s decision to induct former Congressman Dayanand Sopte into the BJP is not acceptable to him. Naik said the party will do what needs to be done and is capable of sorting out the issue.