The winter session of the UP Legislature began on Friday (December 19). It started with strong political exchanges between the ruling BJP and the Samajwadi Party (SP), even before proceedings formally started.
Earlier in the day, CM Yogi, speaking outside the Assembly around 11:30 am, targeted the Samajwadi Party over the alleged codeine cough syrup racket. He said that preliminary investigations suggest that some of the accused arrested so far have links with the SP. Moreover, he added that many mafias operating in the state in the past were connected to the Samajwadi Party.
However, the CM clarified that a final conclusion would be possible only after the complete investigation report is available. He also stated that the truth would eventually come out and accountability would be fixed.
Meanwhile, about an hour later, SP chief Akhilesh Yadav hit back at CM. He said that when those in power find themselves cornered, they shift the blame onto others. Additionally, he remarked that such tactics are old and the government should come up with something new.
In the Assembly, the first day’s proceedings began on a solemn note. The House passed a condolence resolution on the demise of Ghosi MLA Sudhakar Singh. Subsequently, the Assembly was adjourned till Monday morning, although the Legislative Council continued to function.
Also Read: UP Assembly Winter Session Begins; Leaders Pay Tribute to Late MLA Sudhakar Singh
At the same time, the political atmosphere outside and inside the House remained tense. SP MLA Brijesh Yadav arrived at the Assembly carrying a bicycle with a box labelled as “magic syrup.” The message on the box alleged that those who consume it die, while those who sell it become wealthy and receive political protection before fleeing abroad. Similarly, SP MLA Mukesh Verma came wearing a poster demanding action against “big names” allegedly involved in the syrup case and questioning when bulldozer action would be taken against them.
In response, Deputy CM Brajesh Pathak also countered the SP. He displayed a photograph showing Akhilesh Yadav with STF constable Alok Singh, who is an accused in the codeine syrup case. He claimed that some people seen with Akhilesh Yadav in the picture are absconding accused. Using a popular saying, he added that those who are guilty often expose themselves through their actions.
Meanwhile, the government is preparing for key legislative business in the coming days. On Monday (December 21), FM Suresh Khanna is scheduled to present the second supplementary budget for the financial year 2025–26. In addition, a four-hour discussion on “Vande Mataram” has been listed. Issues such as the SIR exercise and the codeine syrup case are expected to be raised by the Leader of the Opposition, Mata Prasad Pandey. Furthermore, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath is set to address the Assembly on December 23 and 24.
Overall, the opening day of the winter session made it clear that sharp political confrontations will dominate the proceedings.
