The Uttar Pradesh Assembly's winter session continued to be marked by intense uproar and heated exchanges on its second day. The primary focus of contention in the house was the contentious cough syrup case, which saw opposition parties, particularly the Samajwadi Party (SP), vehemently cornering the government. SP MLAs engaged in sloganeering and posed several pointed questions to the government regarding the issue. In response, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath launched a strong counter-attack, leveling serious allegations against the Samajwadi Party itself. This entire episode unfolded amidst a tense atmosphere in the assembly, characterized by a continuous volley of accusations and counter-accusations between the ruling party and the opposition.
Uproar in the Assembly Over Cough Syrup Case
The second day of the winter session commenced with significant commotion surrounding the cough syrup issue, while samajwadi Party legislators vociferously raised the matter, accusing the government of inaction and complicity. They demanded clarification from the government regarding the actions taken so far and the status of the investigation into the serious public health concern. The opposition argued that the government wasn't treating the matter with the gravity it deserved, thereby allowing culprits to evade justice. This uproar briefly disrupted the assembly proceedings, but Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath personally stepped forward to address the allegations and provide a response.
CM Yogi's Counter-Attack on SP
In his address, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath not only refuted the Samajwadi Party's allegations concerning the cough syrup case but also leveled serious accusations against them. He clarified that the government had taken decisive action in the matter, stating that 78 accused individuals had been arrested to date, and extensive raids had been conducted on 136 firms. Yogi emphasized that the government wouldn't spare any guilty party. The Chief Minister retaliated against the SP, reiterating that the cough syrup mafia had links to the Samajwadi Party. He alleged that the licenses for these cough syrup companies were issued during the tenure of the Samajwadi Party government. Taking a dig at the opposition, he remarked, "You people don't read or write," implying that the opposition was making accusations without complete information or understanding of the facts.
Warning of 'Bulldozer Action'
Amidst persistent accusations from the opposition regarding delays in the investigation and a soft stance towards the culprits, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath made a significant statement. He declared that "bulldozer action will also be taken when the time comes. " This statement clearly signaled the government's stringent policy against the mafias and criminals who might be linked to this cough syrup case. Yogi's remark served as a reminder of his government's 'bulldozer policy,' which has often been employed against individuals involved in illegal activities. This warning further intensified the already charged atmosphere in the assembly.
Government's Defense and Opposition Walkout
Following the Chief Minister's statement, government minister Sanjay Nishad also addressed the issue. He stated that the Samajwadi Party is in opposition, and its role is to protest. Nishad emphasized that this matter is related to national security, and licenses for such companies are issued by the central government. He further highlighted that the state government had taken prompt action in the case, sending criminals to jail, and that no one would be spared, as "this is our rule here. " However, the atmosphere in the house further deteriorated after another sarcastic remark from CM Yogi, while comparing leaders in Delhi and UP, Yogi stated that there are "two samples" in the country, one of whom sits here. He took a jibe at the Leader of the Opposition, suggesting that the "babua" (a colloquial term, often used for a young, pampered person) here might soon go on a trip to England. Yogi also added that whenever serious issues are discussed in the country, some people immediately flee abroad. Following these accusations from Yogi, Samajwadi Party MLAs became extremely. Agitated and, in protest, staged a walkout from the assembly.
SP's Atul Pradhan Levels Serious Allegations
Speaking on behalf of the Samajwadi Party in the house, Saradhana MLA Atul Pradhan leveled serious allegations against the government regarding the cough syrup case. He claimed that very influential people are involved in this matter, whom the government's hands are unable to reach. Pradhan mentioned the discovery of a large stash of syrup in Sushant. Golf City, the investigation of which was handed over to the STF. He questioned why, after 18 months, there was still no progress in the investigation. Atul Pradhan alleged that as soon as the name of Shubham Jaiswal, from Prime Minister Narendra. Modi's parliamentary constituency, emerged in the case, it became clear that "power-protected people" were closely involved. He accused the government of shielding the culprits and slowing down. The investigation, thereby giving the issue a more pronounced political dimension.
