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Wed, Dec 24, 2025

UP Assembly: No Deaths Due to Codeine Syrup, Says CM Yogi; ‘Do Namoone’ Remark Triggers SP Walkout

Written by:Gaurav Sharma
Published:
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath dismissed allegations of deaths caused by codeine syrup, terming the issue as illegal diversion rather than spurious drugs. The Samajwadi Party staged a walkout following the CM's political remarks, while the government tabled a Rs 24,486 crore supplementary budget.
UP Assembly: No Deaths Due to Codeine Syrup, Says CM Yogi; ‘Do Namoone’ Remark Triggers SP Walkout

LUCKNOW: The winter session of the Uttar Pradesh Assembly witnessed a stormy start on Monday, with the ruling BJP and the Opposition Samajwadi Party (SP) trading barbs over the alleged misuse of codeine-based cough syrups. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath categorically denied reports of any deaths in the state due to the consumption of these syrups, asserting that strict action is being taken under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.

Responding to the Opposition during Question Hour, the Chief Minister advised members to conduct thorough research before raising issues in the House. He stated that the government has no information regarding deaths caused by fake medicines. Instead, he clarified that the issue pertains to the illegal diversion of cough syrups to states where liquor prohibition is in force.

“There have been no deaths in Uttar Pradesh due to codeine cough syrup. The cases of death being cited are linked to other states. The syrup in question was manufactured in Tamil Nadu, not Uttar Pradesh. In UP, we only have stockists and wholesalers.” — Yogi Adityanath, Chief Minister

Political Blame Game and ‘Do Namoone’ Jibe

The debate quickly turned political when CM Yogi alleged that the primary accused arrested by the UP Special Task Force (STF) in the syrup diversion racket had received their license during the Samajwadi Party regime. He further claimed that the STF is investigating the financial transactions of a frantic Lohiya Vahini office-bearer in connection with the case.

The situation escalated when the Chief Minister, without naming anyone, remarked that there are “Do Namoone” in the country—one sitting in Delhi and the other in Lucknow. In a veiled dig at SP chief Akhilesh Yadav, he added that whenever serious issues are discussed, some leaders leave the country. “Babua will go for a tour of London, and you people will be left shouting here,” he quipped.

Offended by the “Do Namoone” remark and the tone of the Chief Minister, Samajwadi Party MLAs staged a walkout. Leader of Opposition Mata Prasad Pandey objected to the language used, stating it did not behoove the CM’s constitutional post. However, Speaker Satish Mahana intervened, recounting a parable about a thief to illustrate that general comments without naming specific individuals should not be taken personally.

Strict Action and Bulldozer Warning

Highlighting the government’s crackdown on the illegal drug trade, CM Yogi provided specific statistics to the House. He informed that 79 cases have been registered so far, with 225 accused named and 78 arrests made. Additionally, raids have been conducted on 134 firms.

The Chief Minister warned that the crackdown would intensify. “This is a case of illegal diversion, not adulteration. We are taking action under the NDPS Act, and no culprit will be spared. When the time comes, bulldozer action will also take place, and at that time, the Opposition should not make noise,” he asserted.

Banke Bihari Trust Bill Becomes Law

In a significant development for temple administration, the Uttar Pradesh Shri Banke Bihari Ji Mandir Trust Bill, 2025, has officially become law following the Governor’s assent. Principal Secretary of the Assembly, Pradeep Dubey, informed the House about the enactment. The new law aims to ensure better administration, transparency, and improved facilities for devotees at the famous Mathura temple while preserving its religious traditions.

Supplementary Budget Tabled

Later in the session, the state government tabled a supplementary budget of Rs 24,486.98 crore for the financial year 2024-25. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Suresh Khanna presented the budget, noting that the original annual budget was Rs 8.08 lakh crore. The supplementary allocation includes Rs 18,379.30 crore for revenue expenditure and Rs 6,127.68 crore for capital expenditure, with a focus on industrial development, the power sector, and urban development.