UP Codeine Row: Yogi Adityanath Calls Akhilesh, Rahul 'Two Specimens'; SP Chief Claims BJP Rift

In a heated political exchange over the codeine cough syrup row in Uttar Pradesh, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath targeted the opposition, calling Akhilesh Yadav and Rahul Gandhi 'two specimens' sitting in Lucknow and Delhi. The Chief Minister clarified that 'no deaths have occurred in the state due to codeine cough syrup' and alleged that the racket's biggest wholesaler was issued a license by the Samajwadi Party government in 2016. In response, Samajwadi Party Chief Akhilesh Yadav claimed the controversy exposed an alleged rift between the Prime Minister and the Chief Minister, stating that the racket originated from PM Modi's Varanasi constituency. The report highlights the escalating war of words as Akhilesh Yadav suggests the feud reveals internal discord within the BJP leadership.