Video: Cough Syrup scam sparks political uproar in UP; Issue reaches parliament

Lucknow: The political landscape in Uttar Pradesh has been shaken by the alleged cough syrup scam, which has now escalated into a national controversy. What began as a state level issue involving the deaths of children after consuming fake cough syrup has reached Parliament, triggering intense debate and accusations. Samajwadi Party MP Dharmendra Yadav raised the matter in the Lok Sabha with strong criticism and emotional appeals, accusing the government of gross negligence.

Dharmendra Yadav told the House that a vast network dealing in allegedly counterfeit cough syrup is operating across multiple states, with supply routes stretching from Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and West Bengal to Bangladesh and South Africa. He claimed that the toxic product has led to the deaths of hundreds of children, while those running the network continue to profit from an illegal trade worth more than two thousand crore rupees. Questioning the lack of action, he asked who would bear responsibility for the grief of families who lost their children. Addressing the Lok Sabha Speaker, he said that only a mother could truly understand the depth of such suffering.

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav also intensified his attack on the state government, alleging that a "One District One Mafia" system is flourishing under its watch. He said that the cough syrup and pharmaceutical scam has expanded into a multi thousand crore operation. Akhilesh claimed that during his administration medicine quality was strictly monitored, but the current government allowed regulatory standards to collapse, harming even the regional economy of Poorvanchal.