Lucknow: Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav launched a scathing attack on the Yogi Adityanath-led government, alleging a systematic attempt to hide the truth behind the illegal codeine cough syrup racket in Uttar Pradesh. Citing the registration of over 118 FIRs across 36 districts, Yadav said the sheer scale of cases exposes the depth of the problem and raises serious doubts about the government’s intent to act against those involved.
Speaking to reporters, the former chief minister claimed that the illegal trade in cough syrup had been operating openly for years, yet the alleged masterminds remain untouched. According to Yadav, the number of FIRs reflects not enforcement success but the magnitude of the crisis, suggesting that decisive action is still missing.
Responding to political allegations linked to photographs, Yadav dismissed such claims as diversionary tactics. He remarked that photographs alone cannot establish wrongdoing and pointed out that he himself has pictures with the chief minister and both deputy chief ministers. He said attempts to politicise images may suit the ruling dispensation, but the public understands the larger reality behind the controversy.
A day earlier, Yadav had also taken to social media platform X, posting a sharply worded message accusing the government of shifting blame whenever it comes under pressure. Along with the post, he shared photographs of the chief minister and the two deputy chief ministers, alleging that the leadership was standing together out of political fear rather than confidence.
Escalating his demand, the SP chief called for the formation of a separate Government Task Force (GTF) to investigate drug abuse and the illegal cough syrup network, in addition to the ongoing probe by the Special Task Force (STF). He alleged that the STF’s role itself was questionable and claimed that it was working in collusion with those linked to the illegal trade.
Yadav further said that the lack of concrete outcomes so far indicates an effort to avoid uncovering the truth rather than exposing and punishing those running the toxic drug racket. He warned that unless transparency and accountability are ensured, public trust in law enforcement will continue to erode.
