UP CM Yogi Adityanath Alleges Samajwadi Party Links to Codeine Syrup Scandal
UP Chief Minister says preliminary probe points to SP connections, assures strict action after investigation concludes
Lucknow, Dec 19: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Friday alleged that preliminary investigations into an illegal codeine-based cough syrup smuggling racket have revealed links with the Samajwadi Party (SP), adding that large-scale arrests have already been made in the case.
Speaking to reporters outside the Assembly premises, the chief minister said strong evidence of illicit trafficking has emerged and the state government has taken firm action against those involved. However, he maintained that a final conclusion would be drawn only after the investigation is completed.
“Something will be said about this only after the investigation is complete. Let the probe conclude and everything will become clear,” Yogi said.
Taking a swipe at the Samajwadi Party, he alleged that criminal elements have historically been associated with the party. “This is nothing new. Every criminal has links with the Samajwadi Party. The blood is on their face, but they try to clean the mirror,” the chief minister remarked.
Reiterating the state government’s ‘zero tolerance’ policy towards drugs and illegal trafficking, Yogi asserted that no guilty person would be spared, irrespective of political affiliation.
His remarks came a day after Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav accused the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of shielding those involved in the illegal supply of codeine based cough syrup worth crores of rupees.
Addressing a press conference at the SP headquarters following a meeting of party MLAs, Akhilesh Yadav said the alleged cough syrup racket was among the key issues to be raised in the upcoming Assembly session.
