JD(U) Leader Dhananjay Singh Reacts to Akhilesh Yadav’s ‘Codeine Bhaiya’ Remark, Urges Serious Approach on Cough Syrup Case

Lucknow | December 17, 2025 JD(U) leader Dhananjay Singh has responded strongly to Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav’s recent “Codeine Bhaiya” jibe, describing it as “laughable” and urging the former chief minister to address the ongoing codeine-based cough syrup case with seriousness and proper research. The remark by Yadav, referring cryptically to Singh as “Jaunpur ke codeine bhaiya” in a tweet drawing parallels with the crime thriller web series Mirzapur, sparked political tension amid the ongoing investigation into illegal syrup distribution in Uttar Pradesh. The case involves smuggling and sale of highly restricted codeine-based cough syrups, and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has launched a money laundering probe into a broader interstate and cross-border racket linked to the illicit manufacture and distribution of these syrups. Opposition parties have sought to connect the accused in the case with officials of the ruling BJP and its allies, raising political stakes. Speaking to PTI, Dhananjay Singh clarified that Akhilesh Yadav, as a former chief minister, should ensure any claims or criticisms are based on complete research. “Turning a serious matter into satire or mockery by using terms like ‘Codeine Bhaiya’ is not appropriate,” Singh said. He emphasized that the case involves serious issues such as money laundering and over-stocking, and is an inter-state matter requiring investigation by central agencies like the CBI and the ED. Singh also clarified that the syrup case in Uttar Pradesh is separate from the tragic Madhya Pradesh incident in Chhindwara, where children died allegedly due to Coldrif syrup. Responding to reports linking him to individuals arrested in the UP case, Singh said that social and political life inevitably brings people into contact with many individuals, but it is impossible to monitor everyone’s actions. “Often even parents are unaware of their children’s actions. Some of the arrested knew me since childhood or shared family relations, but that does not mean I had any knowledge of their activities,” he added. The JD(U) leader reiterated that he has no involvement in any narcotics trade and praised Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for his honesty and governance, claiming the SP lacks a political issue against him, which is why it targeted him as a “Thakur” leader. Singh stressed that action should be taken against anyone found guilty, and he fully supports lawful investigations. On political prospects, Singh said the Samajwadi Party could face difficulties in the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections without an alliance with the Congress, potentially reducing its tally below 50 seats. He confirmed his commitment to the JD(U), which remains part of the NDA, and said political equations in UP could evolve before the elections. Responding to questions about SP MLA Abhay Singh, who has aligned with the BJP, Dhananjay Singh chose not to discuss current rivals but alleged that Abhay Singh had a criminal past, including an incident involving theft and imprisonment in Prayagraj, which witnesses can confirm. Singh’s comments underline the seriousness with which he views the codeine syrup investigation, calling for responsible political discourse and emphasizing that legal processes must determine guilt or innocence, not social media jibes. JD(U) Leader Dhananjay Singh Reacts to Akhilesh Yadav’s ‘Codeine Bhaiya’ Remark, Urges Serious Approach on Cough Syrup Case JD(U) leader Dhananjay Singh has strongly reacted to Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav’s recent “Codeine Bhaiya” comment, calling it laughable and urging the former chief minister to treat the ongoing codeine-based cough syrup case with seriousness. Akhilesh Yadav had referred to Singh as “Jaunpur ke codeine bhaiya,” drawing a comparison with the crime thriller web series Mirzapur, sparking political debates. The case involves the illegal smuggling and sale of codeine-based cough syrups in Uttar Pradesh. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) is investigating a wider interstate and cross-border network linked to the illicit manufacture and distribution of these syrups. Opposition parties have tried to link the accused to ruling party officials and allies, intensifying the political discussion. Speaking to the media, Dhananjay Singh clarified that serious issues like money laundering and over-stocking require proper investigation by central agencies such as the CBI and ED. He emphasized that making mockery of the case with terms like “Codeine Bhaiya” is inappropriate, especially coming from a former chief minister. Singh also clarified that the UP syrup case is separate from the Madhya Pradesh incident in Chhindwara, where children died allegedly due to Coldrif syrup. Responding to personal links with some arrested individuals, Singh said political and social life naturally brings people into contact with many individuals, but it is impossible to track everyone’s actions. He reiterated he is not involved in any narcotics trade and fully supports lawful action against anyone found guilty. Singh also praised Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for his honest governance and said political attacks from the SP appear targeted due to lack of substantive issues. He added that the SP may struggle in the 2027 UP Assembly elections without a Congress alliance and confirmed his commitment to JD(U) as part of the NDA. Singh’s remarks underline the importance of responsible political discourse, stressing that legal investigations should determine guilt, not social media comments.