Samajwadi Party national president Akhilesh Yadav launched a sharp attack on the Uttar Pradesh government, alleging it provides full protection to drug mafias involved in the illegal trade of codeine-based cough syrup. The former Chief Minister made these serious claims during a press conference held at the party's state headquarters in Lucknow on Saturday.
Allegations of a Global Network and Government Complicity
Akhilesh Yadav asserted that the recent codeine syrup case was not an isolated event but part of a massive international racket. He claimed that the government was deliberately hiding crucial facts related to this network. The SP chief cited reports suggesting the involvement of nearly 700 companies in this global syndicate.
According to Yadav, the truth only came to light after newspapers reported the seizure of trucks in Uttar Pradesh, which exposed the cross-border nature of the illegal operation. He accused the ruling BJP of trying to deflect public attention from the core issue.
Political War of Photographs and a Call for Bulldozer Justice
The opposition leader criticized the BJP for using selective photographs to level allegations against the Samajwadi Party. He countered by stating that if photographs were to be considered as proof, then pictures also exist of the same individuals with the Chief Minister and the Deputy Chief Minister.
Demanding stern and unbiased action, Akhilesh Yadav said, "If bulldozers are the government's chosen symbol of action, then they should be used against every mafia involved in this case, irrespective of their political links." He alleged a deep nexus between criminals and officials, claiming that government teams sent to assess properties of the accused were forced to retreat out of fear.
Honouring War Heroes and Demanding an Ahir Regiment
In a separate event during the same day, Akhilesh Yadav honoured veterans of the 1962 India-China war who fought in the iconic Battle of Rezang La. The ceremony, also held at the SP headquarters, saw the felicitation of veterans including Captain Ramchandra Yadav and Havaldar Nihal Singh, along with several other ex-servicemen from Uttar Pradesh who served in the Kumaon Regiment.
Utilizing this platform, Yadav reiterated the long-standing demand for the formation of a dedicated Ahir Regiment in the Indian Army. He stated that similar demands from other communities should also be considered by the central government. Highlighting Uttar Pradesh's significant contribution to the nation's armed forces, he demanded the establishment of military schools in key cities:
- Lucknow
- Kannauj
- Etawah
- Varanasi
Paying rich tribute to the bravery of soldiers, Akhilesh said their sacrifices were the bedrock of the nation's security. The program also featured a promotional screening of the film '120 Bahadur', which depicts the Rezang La battle. Veteran Ramchandra Yadav recalled the role played by former Defence Minister and SP patriarch Mulayam Singh Yadav in the welfare of soldiers.
