The Winter Session of the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly commenced on a highly charged note on Friday, December 19, 2025, with the alleged multi-crore codeine-based cough syrup smuggling racket taking center stage. The proceedings witnessed a sharp political confrontation between the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the principal opposition, the Samajwadi Party (SP).
Symbolic Protests and Sharp Allegations
The day was marked by theatrical demonstrations from SP legislators aimed at highlighting the government's handling of the illicit syrup trade. SP MLA Brajesh Yadav Yadav arrived at the Assembly premises on a bicycle, with a large cut-out of a cough syrup bottle attached to the handlebars. The prop carried a satirical message calling it a "magical syrup" that kills consumers but enriches sellers who allegedly flee abroad with political protection.
Another SP legislator, Mukesh Verma, wore a poster demanding the arrest of the "big names" involved in the racket. These symbolic acts set the tone for a session expected to be dominated by the contentious issue.
CM Yogi Adityanath Points Finger at Samajwadi Party
In his address before the session began, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath launched a direct attack on the opposition. He stated that the state's Food Safety and Drug Administration (FSDA), UP Police, and Special Task Force (STF) had made significant arrests in the case.
"However, everyone knows that every mafia has links to the Samajwadi Party," Adityanath asserted. He claimed that a preliminary probe had revealed connections between the arrested accused and the SP. The CM announced that a State-level Special Investigation Team (SIT) is investigating the matter and tracing the flow of illicit funds.
Adityanath explained that codeine phosphate, a narcotic substance regulated under the NDPS Act, is allocated by the Central Narcotics Bureau for legitimate medicinal use. Action was initiated following reports of its misuse in cough syrups and complaints about illegal smuggling. He assured that the final inquiry report would reveal all beneficiaries of the syndicate.
Political Sparring and House Adjournment
The Chief Minister also took a dig at SP President Akhilesh Yadav, suggesting he was ignoring the facts. Adityanath alleged that there exist photographs of Samajwadi Party leaders with the accused, hinting at their involvement. He expressed confidence that the ongoing investigation would separate truth from falsehood.
The Assembly session on Friday was primarily dedicated to paying condolences to sitting SP MLA from Ghosi, Sudhakar Singh, who passed away recently. Following the obituary references, the House was adjourned for the day and is scheduled to reconvene on Monday.
However, the political battle is set to continue, with discussions on the issue likely in the Legislative Council. The opening day has firmly established the cough syrup racket as the flashpoint for the five-day Winter Session, promising further heated exchanges between the treasury and opposition benches in Lucknow.
