Yogi Adityanath's Remarks Ignite Political Tensions in Uttar Pradesh

NEW DELHI: The Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Yogi Adityanath, made controversial remarks on Monday during a session of the state Assembly, indirectly targeting Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. Adityanath referred to both politicians as 'do namune' (two specimens) during a heated debate concerning the alleged illegal trade of codeine-based cough syrup. His comments led to significant uproar within the Assembly.

The debate intensified following allegations that codeine syrup had resulted in fatalities, prompting protests from the opposition parties. Adityanath stated, "Desh ke andar do namune hain. One sits in Delhi and the other in Lucknow. When there is any discussion in the country, they immediately flee the country, and I think the same thing is happening with your 'Babua' [referring to Akhilesh Yadav]. He will also leave the country again for a trip to England, and you people will keep shouting here."

In response to opposition inquiries about the reported deaths linked to the cough syrup, Adityanath firmly denied any fatalities occurring in Uttar Pradesh due to this product. He asserted, "No deaths have occurred in Uttar Pradesh due to codeine cough syrup. Secondly, action will be taken in this case under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act. The Uttar Pradesh government has won this case in court."

The Chief Minister provided an update on the enforcement actions taken against the illegal trade, indicating that 79 cases had been registered, with 225 individuals named and 78 arrests made. He noted that raids had been conducted on 134 firms involved in the distribution of the syrup. Adityanath also hinted that a deeper investigation might uncover connections to the Samajwadi Party.

He remarked, "If you delve deeper into this matter, you'll find that ultimately, some leader or individual associated with the Samajwadi Party is involved. The High Court has ruled that this entire case should be prosecuted under the NDPS Act. The Uttar Pradesh government has fought this battle and won."

Akhilesh Yadav quickly responded to Adityanath's comments, condemning the personal attacks and demanding dignity in political discourse. He posted on the social media platform X, stating, "Self-Acceptance! No one expected the Delhi-Lucknow feud to escalate to this point. People holding constitutional positions should at least maintain some public decorum and not cross the bounds of propriety. BJP folks should not bring their party's internal squabbles out to the crossroads."

Earlier in the day, members of the Samajwadi Party staged protests outside the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly, expressing outrage over the alleged illegal trade of codeine syrup and accusing the government of inaction. During the demonstrations, which included both Members of the Legislative Assembly and council members, protestors carried placards with anti-government slogans and demanded accountability for those implicated in the syrup racket.

The Samajwadi Party has accused the ruling government of prioritising profits over public health, asserting that individuals from Adityanath's own caste are involved in the illegal trade. They called for strict action against all individuals involved, regardless of political affiliation. A statement from the party's media cell on X claimed, "Chief Minister Adityanath is running the business of poisonous and intoxicating cough syrup. People from his own caste and his close associates are involved in the illegal trade. Is their greed for money so intense that the deaths of children and addiction among youth have no effect on them?"

The protests were not solely focused on the cough syrup issue, as Samajwadi Party members also raised concerns regarding alleged manipulation of voter lists, the curtailment of reservation rights, and the decline of health services in the state. In light of the ongoing investigation into the codeine syrup trade, the Uttar Pradesh police confirmed that a Special Investigation Team is examining the illegal network involved in its storage and distribution, including potential financial transactions with neighbouring countries such as Nepal and Bangladesh.