CM Yogi: No deaths have occurred in Uttar Pradesh due to codeine cough syrup
Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath told the Assembly on Monday that no one in the state has died from consuming codeine-based cough syrup.
Responding to an issue raised by the Leader of the Opposition at the start of the House proceedings, the Chief Minister questioned the motives of opposition members. He said that MLAs should come to the House after properly studying the facts and maintain its dignity.
He said, “This issue was raised as soon as the proceedings began, which is why I had to intervene.”
Using the proverb “a straw in the beard of a thief,” CM Yogi launched a scathing attack on the Samajwadi Party and said that the allegations were politically motivated. He categorically stated that not a single death in Uttar Pradesh has been caused by codeine cough syrup.
The Chief Minister also targeted Leader of the Opposition Mata Prasad Pandey, saying that at his age, one is generally expected to speak the truth, but alleged that the Samajwadi Party forces him to make false statements. He reminded the House that the leader has been the Speaker for a long time and should set an example.
CM Yogi informed the Assembly that the Special Task Force (STF) had arrested the state’s largest wholesaler of codeine cough syrup.
He said, “This wholesaler was granted a license in 2016 during the Samajwadi Party regime,” and added that some politicians flee the country when serious issues arise. “You’ll keep shouting here, while your ‘babua’ (referring to Akhilesh Yadav) will go to England for a vacation.”
The Chief Minister said that codeine cough syrup is not manufactured in Uttar Pradesh; it is manufactured in Madhya Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, and other states.
He said, “Deaths linked to such syrups are from other states. Some cases involve syrups manufactured in Tamil Nadu. This entire matter revolves around illegal diversion.”
He further stated that wholesalers located in cities like Saharanpur, Ghaziabad, Lucknow, Kanpur, and Varanasi were illegally supplying the syrup to states where alcohol is banned, leading to its misuse by addicts.
CM Yogi stressed that children or adults should not consume codeine cough syrup without medical advice. He said, “People take cough syrup only after consulting a doctor, and this is clearly stated on the packaging. Unfortunately, the Samajwadi Party has nothing to do with education, which is why such irresponsible statements are made.”
Detailing the government’s action, the Chief Minister said that so far 79 cases have been registered, 225 accused have been named, and 78 people have been arrested. Raids have been conducted on 134 firms.
He alleged, “As the investigation deepens, it repeatedly reveals that some leader or individual associated with the Samajwadi Party is involved. Even illegal transactions were made from the account of an official of the Lohia Vahini.” He further stated that the Special Task Force (STF) is thoroughly investigating the matter.
Targeting the opposition over the bulldozer action, CM Yogi said, “Don’t worry. When the time comes, we will be fully prepared for the bulldozer action – just don’t cry then.”
