Codeine Syrup Row Escalates in UP as SP Launches Poster War Against Yogi Government

Uttar Pradesh politics has heated up further over the alleged illegal stocking and sale of codeine-based cough syrup, with the Samajwadi Party (SP) launching a sharp visual attack on the Yogi Adityanath government. On Wednesday, provocative posters and hoardings were installed outside the SP headquarters on Vikramaditya Marg in Lucknow, intensifying the political confrontation. The posters draw a direct comparison between the ruling NDA and the opposition’s PDA narrative. In the hoardings, NDA has been described as “National Drug Defaulter Mafia Alliance,” while PDA is projected as “Paramedical and Medical College Development Alliance.” Visuals include images of hospitals, ambulances, and medical infrastructure on one side, contrasted with bulldozers being shown as “fed” codeine syrup, luxury vehicles, and properties allegedly linked to accused individuals in the case. The posters prominently feature the image of a property linked to Alok Singh, a former STF constable who is an accused in the codeine syrup case and is currently in police custody. SP leaders claim the visuals highlight alleged protection given to drug mafias, while the government denies all allegations. The poster campaign follows a heated exchange in the Uttar Pradesh Assembly, where the opposition demanded strict action, including bulldozer action, against all accused regardless of political affiliation. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has stated that investigations are underway and assured that no one involved will be spared if found guilty. With the Assembly session ongoing, political observers expect continued disruption and sharp exchanges as the codeine syrup controversy dominates both the House and the streets.