U.P. ministers flay Akhilesh Yadav over photographs with cough syrup case accused

Uttar Pradesh ministers on Saturday, December 20, 2025, criticized Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav for allegedly syndicate of codeine-based cough syrup and accused him of deflecting the issue through caste politics instead of cooperating with the investigation.

Fisheries Minister Sanjay Nishad said that the BJP government follows a zero tolerance policy towards illegal drugs, organized drug mafias and illegal drug trade, but the opposition’s attitude on this issue is extremely disturbing.

“Do not try to hide the truth under the guise of caste politics. This is not a political issue, but an issue about the future of our youth and future generations.” Nishad said, urging Mr. Yadav to provide a statement instead of politicizing the issue.

Referring to photos allegedly showing Mr Yadav with people associated with the cough syrup syndicate, he said the appearance of these people was “not a normal matter”.

Questioning Mr. Yadav’s silence, Mr. Nishad said, “He should explain his own position.”

The minister also questioned Yadav’s silence on child deaths allegedly linked to codeine-based cough syrup produced in Tamil Nadu and said this raises serious questions about the opposition leader’s role.

“When it comes to this government, no mafia will be spared, no matter how great their political protection is. No one is above the law,” Mr. Nishad said.

He said that on the instructions of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, special campaigns are being carried out in Uttar Pradesh in coordination with the police and the Food Safety and Drug Administration against illegal storage, diversion, distribution and sale of codeine-based cough syrup and other narcotic substances.

Giving details of the actions taken so far, Mr. Nishad said cases have been registered in 33 districts, 75 accused have been arrested and more than 12.65 lakh bottles of banned cough syrup have been seized. The official added that legal action has been initiated against 132 companies, decisive action has been taken against 15 main conspirators and lookout circulars have been issued against 12 key accused, while cases are ongoing against others.

“The law in the Yogi government is not limited to paper; it is implemented on the ground,” Mr. Nishad said, adding that the entire supply chain is under scrutiny under the NDPS Act and offenders have been sent to jail.

Minister of State for Transport (Independent Charge) Dayashankar Singh also demanded an explanation from Mr. Yadav as to why photographs of the kingpins allegedly with him were in the public domain.

“Such people enjoyed protection under previous governments. The law was in place earlier too, but such stringent measures are being seen only under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath,” Mr. Singh said.

He added that the criminals do not belong to any caste and the government takes action without discrimination against criminals from all walks of life.