Talking to reporters in Bahraich, where he had gone to take stock of the flood situation, Shivpal said there is no conflict-like situation between the bureaucracy and political fraternity of the state.
"I have personally visited many places, and have not found illegal mining taking place," Shivpal said, terming as canard the opposition's allegations in this regard.
Earlier in Gonda, he said stern action will be taken against lax officials, "however big or small they may be."
When asked about SP leader Ram Gopal Yadav's statement that the Centre was free to withdraw all IAS officers from UP, the minister said, "Samajwadi Party will run the government as per the Constitution, but will take stern action against those officials and employees who do not discharge their duties properly.