Uttar Pradesh CM denies codeine syrup deaths in state

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath stated in the Assembly that there have been no deaths in the state due to codeine-based cough syrup. He responded to the Opposition Leader’s concerns, questioning their motives and emphasizing the importance of factual knowledge and dignity in legislative discussions. CM Yogi dismissed the allegations as politically driven, asserting that no deaths in Uttar Pradesh are linked to codeine cough syrup. He criticized the opposition leader, Mata Prasad Pandey, for allegedly making false statements and highlighted the arrest of the state’s main codeine syrup wholesaler by the Special Task Force. The Chief Minister clarified that codeine cough syrup is not manufactured in Uttar Pradesh but in other states, emphasizing that reported deaths are from elsewhere due to illegal diversion. He mentioned that the syrup was illegally supplied to states where alcohol is banned, leading to misuse. CM Yogi stressed the need for medical consultation before consuming such syrup and detailed the government’s actions, including numerous arrests and raids on firms involved in the illegal supply chain. He alleged involvement of individuals associated with the Samajwadi Party in illegal transactions and assured readiness for decisive action when needed.