A political war of words has erupted in Uttar Pradesh after JD(U) leader and former MP Dhananjay Singh strongly objected to Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav’s ‘Codeine Bhaiya’ jibe, saying serious issues like alleged money laundering and narcotics smuggling should not be turned into satire.
The controversy stems from a crackdown on the illegal manufacture, smuggling and sale of codeine-based cough syrups in Uttar Pradesh and neighbouring states, which is currently under the scanner of central agencies.
‘Don’t Trivialise a Serious Issue,’ Says Dhananjay Singh
Responding to Akhilesh Yadav’s remark referencing the web series Mirzapur — “Mirzapur mein Kaalin Bhaiya aur Jaunpur ke Codeine Bhaiya” — Singh told PTI that the issue deserved seriousness, not mockery.
“Akhilesh Yadav has been a chief minister and should consult senior IAS and IPS officers before making such remarks. Turning a serious investigation into satire is inappropriate,” Singh said.
He also criticised a section of the media for popularising the phrase “Codeine Bhaiya”, urging restraint.
ED Probe and Political Blame Game in UP
The case has triggered a political blame game, with opposition parties attempting to link the accused in the codeine syrup racket to functionaries of the ruling BJP and its allies.
Singh said the matter involves inter-state money laundering and over-stocking, and that his party has demanded a thorough probe by central agencies including the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
“The ED probe has reportedly already begun. The truth will come out,” he said.
‘No Connection With MP Cold Syrup Tragedy’
Clarifying his position, Singh said the Uttar Pradesh case has no link with the Madhya Pradesh Coldrif syrup tragedy, in which several children died in Chhindwara.
On the arrest of some individuals allegedly linked to him, the JD(U) leader said political and social life brings people into contact with many individuals, but one cannot be held responsible for everyone’s actions.
“Even parents do not always know what their children are doing,” he remarked.
Backs Action, Praises Yogi Adityanath
Singh reiterated that he has no involvement in narcotics trade and fully supports action against anyone found guilty. He also praised Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, calling him honest and saying the opposition lacks substantive political issues against him.
“The Samajwadi Party is resorting to personal attacks,” Singh said.
UP 2027 Elections and Political Equations
Commenting on the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections, Singh claimed the SP could face serious setbacks if it fails to ally with the Congress. He confirmed that he would continue with the JD(U), which is part of the NDA.
Official updates from the Government of Uttar Pradesh – https://up.gov.in/
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