Gwalior, Sep 4 (IANS): Congress leader and former Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, who is seeking that he or his nominee be made the Madhya Pradesh party chief, on Tuesday targeted his own party government in the state over illegal sand mining and demanded strict action.

Scindia, who is on a two-day visit here, was welcomed by the Congress workers at the railway station after he arrived by Shatabdi Express. 

Asked on illegal mining, the Congress leader said: "I am saddened by it and should be stopped. This was one of our election issues."

"We had openly protested against illegal mining during the previous BJP rule. What's unfortunate is it's still underway under the current (Kamal Nath-led) government.

"Strict action should be taken against those involved in it."

He even said if illegal mining does not stop, he would be compelled to "step into the issue". 

The former Union Minister's name is being raised for the position of Madhya Pradesh Congress President. On this, he said "the party high command's decision would be final". 

Scindia's visit to Gwalior comes amid internal bickering in the Congress party. On Tuesday, he took part in several programmes and looked quite "aggressive".