Political Tensions Rise in Uttar Pradesh Over Codeine Cough Syrup Smuggling
Tensions are escalating in Uttar Pradesh as the Samajwadi Party confronts the NDA over allegations of codeine cough syrup smuggling. Hoardings displayed by the SP criticize the ruling BJP, while Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath defends the government's actions, asserting no deaths have occurred due to the syrup. With ongoing investigations revealing numerous arrests and potential links to the opposition party, the political landscape is heating up ahead of the 2027 elections. This situation raises questions about the future of the Samajwadi Party as it faces significant challenges and public scrutiny.
Dec 23, 2025, 12:46 IST
Political Clash Intensifies Over Codeine Cough Syrup Smuggling
In a move targeting the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), the Samajwadi Party (SP) displayed hoardings outside its office in Lucknow on Tuesday, escalating the political confrontation between the opposition and the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The hoardings depicted the SP alongside the NDA, with the SP redefining the NDA as the "National Drug Defaulter Mafia Alliance" and labeling itself as the "Paramedical and Medical Development Alliance," clearly criticizing the ruling coalition.
This action comes amid rising political tensions regarding the codeine cough syrup issue, sparking extensive debate within the state's political circles. On Monday, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath addressed the assembly, asserting that no deaths in the state have been linked to the consumption of codeine-based cough syrup. He emphasized that the matter is being dealt with stringently under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.
Detailing the actions taken so far, the Chief Minister reported that 79 cases have been registered, 225 suspects identified, and 78 arrests made. He also informed the assembly that raids have been conducted on 134 firms as part of the ongoing investigation. Adityanath further alleged that connections to the Samajwadi Party may emerge as the inquiry progresses, stating, “No accused will escape in this case. Rest assured, strict actions will be taken when the time comes. Do not complain then.”
Indirectly targeting Akhilesh Yadav, the Chief Minister remarked, "...there are two types of individuals in the country. One sits in Delhi, and the other in Lucknow. Whenever there is a discussion in the country, they flee abroad, and I believe your 'Babu' will do the same. They will leave the country again for a trip to England while you continue to make noise here."
Earlier on Sunday, Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya raised several questions regarding the Samajwadi Party, claiming that the party is facing significant disappointment ahead of the 2027 assembly elections. Maurya asserted that the political ambitions of the Samajwadi Party have suffered a major setback and accused its leadership of losing public trust. He stated, "Many questions are now being raised about the Samajwadi Party. They are planning to return to Saifai in 2027 because they are completely disheartened."