The second day of the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly's Winter Session on Monday, December 22, 2025, was marked by uproar and protests as the Samajwadi Party (SP) and the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) clashed over the contentious issue of an alleged codeine-based cough syrup racket.
Opposition's Allegations and Demand for Debate
As soon as the House convened in Lucknow, Samajwadi Party legislators launched a sharp attack on the state government. Led by Leader of Opposition Mata Prasad Pandey, they demanded an immediate discussion on the racket, alleging that it had led to the deaths of children. Pandey claimed the network was not confined to Uttar Pradesh but had spread across the country, even drawing the attention of the World Health Organization (WHO).
"Transactions of thousands of rupees have taken place. With the government having its own intelligence, it should have known about it beforehand," Pandey asserted. Responding to Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's earlier allegations linking SP members to the arrested accused, Pandey challenged, "There should be a discussion so that the Chief Minister’s reply becomes clear… If Samajwadi Party people are found involved, then action should be taken."
Government's Firm Refutation and Charges of Rumour-Mongering
The government's response was swift and unequivocal. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Suresh Khanna strongly refuted the SP's claims, stating that no child had died in Uttar Pradesh due to the consumption of the said cough syrup. He accused the opposition of spreading negativity and baseless rumours instead of engaging in constructive debate.
"The Speaker has already accepted the notice for discussion, and the government is ready to reply to the issue," Khanna stated, emphasizing the administration's willingness to address the matter through proper parliamentary procedure.
Protest in the Well and Speaker's Intervention
Unsatisfied with the minister's response, SP MLAs trooped into the Well of the House, raising loud slogans of "codeine pe charcha karo" (discuss codeine). The session was disrupted, leading to chaotic scenes. The impasse was finally broken when Speaker Satish Mahana intervened.
Assuring the agitated opposition members, Speaker Mahana confirmed that the issue would be taken up for discussion later in the day under Rule 56. "While you have alleged that deaths have taken place, the government has refuted [this]. The government would put forward its side, and you would put yours," he stated. Following this assurance, the SP legislators called off their protest and returned to their seats.
The incident highlights the heightened political tensions in the state assembly over a serious public health and law and order issue, with both sides digging in their heels. The promised debate is expected to see further heated exchanges between the ruling party and the principal opposition.
