New Delhi, Dec 22 (NationPress) On Monday, Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya sharply criticized the Samajwadi Party (SP) amidst the political uproar concerning the suspected illegal distribution of codeine-based cough syrup in Uttar Pradesh. He claimed that the opposition's influence has dramatically declined and forecasted a dismal electoral future for them.

“The Samajwadi Party’s sway has lessened, and by 2027, they might return on a four-wheeler; their seat count is predicted to stay relatively unchanged,” Maurya retorted, addressing ongoing critiques from SP leaders about their management of the cough syrup situation.

This controversy has ignited fierce political debates, as the SP has alleged that child fatalities linked to the consumption of codeine cough syrup have emerged, inciting panic across numerous districts in Uttar Pradesh and adjacent areas.

The Samajwadi Party has charged the BJP-led government with failing to respond effectively, given the gravity of the issue.

SP MLA Kamal Akhtar called for an immediate and thorough investigation, placing the blame on the state government. “There is a BJP government in Uttar Pradesh. When such a serious issue arises, the government must ensure a comprehensive inquiry,” Akhtar stated.

He further accused the authorities of inaction, asserting, “When children are dying from syrup consumption, and there is widespread panic in Uttar Pradesh and nearby states, with nearly 100 FIRs filed, the government still hesitates to take action. The opposition insists on accountability.”

The situation escalated after Akhilesh Yadav, the chief of the Samajwadi Party, made startling allegations during a press conference, claiming a vast illegal cough syrup operation is functioning in the state. He suggested high-ranking officials are complicit without naming anyone, questioning the governance under the BJP.

“A Chief Minister of the state lies, and those surrounding him also deceive. One cannot fathom that an illegal cough syrup racket exists in the Prime Minister’s own parliamentary constituency,” he remarked, labeling the issue as international with significant financial implications.

Yadav further asserted that the alleged scam's magnitude is much larger than publicly reported. “This is not merely a matter of Rs 100 or 200 crore. Reports suggest it involves approximately 700 companies and transactions worth several thousand crore rupees,” Yadav demanded stringent action against all involved, regardless of political ties.

The BJP has accused the opposition of politicizing a sensitive issue.