Lucknow, Dec 22 (NationPress) Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath announced in the Assembly that there have been no fatalities in the state attributed to the use of codeine-based cough syrup.

In response to concerns raised by the Leader of the Opposition at the beginning of the House session, the Chief Minister challenged the motives of the opposition members. He urged legislators to arrive at the House after thoroughly understanding the facts and to maintain its integrity.

“The topic was brought up right at the start of the proceedings, which prompted my intervention,” he remarked.

Using the phrase “a guilty conscience needs no accuser,” CM Yogi directed a pointed remark at the Samajwadi Party, indicating that the accusations were politically driven. He firmly stated that not a single death in Uttar Pradesh has been associated with codeine cough syrup.

The Chief Minister also criticized the Leader of the Opposition, Mata Prasad Pandey, asserting that at his age, one is expected to speak truthfully, yet alleged that the Samajwadi Party coerces him into making false claims. He reminded the House of the leader's lengthy tenure as Speaker and urged him to set a commendable example.

CM Yogi informed the Assembly that the state’s largest wholesaler of codeine cough syrup had been apprehended by the Special Task Force (STF).

“This wholesaler was issued a license in 2016 during the Samajwadi Party governance,” he noted, adding that while some leaders escape the country when serious issues arise, “you will keep shouting here while your ‘Babua’ (referring to Akhilesh Yadav) is on vacation in England.”

The Chief Minister clarified that Uttar Pradesh does not produce codeine cough syrup; it is made in states such as Madhya Pradesh and Himachal Pradesh.

“The deaths associated with such syrups are reported from other states. Some cases link back to syrup manufactured in Tamil Nadu. This entire situation revolves around illegal diversion,” he stated.

He added that wholesalers in cities like Saharanpur, Ghaziabad, Lucknow, Kanpur, and Varanasi illegally distributed the syrup to states where alcohol is banned, resulting in its misuse by addicts.

CM Yogi emphasized that codeine cough syrup should not be consumed by children or adults without a medical consultation. “People only take cough syrup after consulting a doctor, as indicated on the packaging. Unfortunately, the Samajwadi Party seems disconnected from education, leading to such reckless statements,” he remarked.

Detailing government actions, the Chief Minister shared that 79 cases have been registered, 225 individuals have been implicated, and 78 arrests have been made. Raids have occurred at 134 firms.

“As the investigation deepens, it consistently reveals that certain leaders or individuals linked to the Samajwadi Party are involved. Even illegal transactions were carried out through the account of a Lohia Vahini office-bearer,” he alleged, asserting that the STF is thoroughly investigating the matter.

In a jab at the opposition regarding bulldozer actions, CM Yogi stated, “Don’t worry. When the time comes, we will be fully prepared for bulldozer action -- just don’t complain then.”