SP Stages Protest Outside UP Assembly Over Codeine Syrup Case Ahead of Key Legislative Agenda

Political tensions escalated outside the Uttar Pradesh Assembly on Monday as Samajwadi Party (SP) leaders and MLAs staged a strong protest over the alleged codeine cough syrup case. The demonstration took place ahead of the day’s Assembly proceedings, during which the state government is scheduled to present the supplementary budget and hold a special discussion on “Vande Mataram.” SP MLAs arrived at the Assembly premises holding posters and cut-outs with slogans such as “Give an account of deaths due to codeine” and “Mafia must answer.” The protest comes after SP chief Akhilesh Yadav had earlier accused the BJP-led government of shielding those involved in the alleged scam. On previous days as well, SP legislators had raised the codeine issue inside and outside the House. The protest also follows remarks by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, who had claimed that individuals involved in the case had links with SP leaders. In response, SP MLAs displayed photographs of senior BJP leaders, including the Deputy Chief Minister, questioning why the government’s much-publicized “bulldozer action” had not been used against those allegedly involved in the case. SP leaders accused the government of selective action and double standards, asking whether the crackdown on crime applies only to certain sections. They confirmed that the codeine syrup issue will be aggressively raised in the Assembly, raising the likelihood of disruptions during today’s session. With the supplementary budget set to be tabled at noon, the winter session’s second day is expected to remain stormy.

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