The Uttar Pradesh government presented a supplementary budget of ₹24,496.98 crore for the 2025–26 financial year, aiming to bolster the state's development, infrastructure, and essential services under Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's leadership. The supplementary budget accounts for 3.03% of the original budget of ₹8,08,736.06 crore, raising the total budget outlay for the year to ₹8,33,233.04 crore.

This additional allocation is intended to meet unanticipated revenue needs and fund new requirements, particularly in the areas of industry and healthcare, as well as to reinforce infrastructure through enhanced capital investment.

Details of the Supplementary Budget

The supplementary budget includes:

• ₹18,369.30 crore for revenue expenditure

• ₹6,127.68 crore for capital expenditure

Revenue expenditure covers ongoing government operations, salaries, and welfare schemes, while capital expenditure is directed toward long-term infrastructure projects such as roads, power, and public health facilities.

The Finance Minister emphasized that the supplementary provisions are presented before the legislature when approved funds prove insufficient to meet actual expenditure during a financial year, or when significant changes in schemes necessitate legislative approval.

The government stated that the additional funds would help in meeting the state's development priorities, including industrial growth and healthcare expansion. The focus on healthcare is especially relevant given the ongoing challenges related to public health and the need for improved medical infrastructure in the state.

Codeine Cough Syrup Controversy

Simultaneously, the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly was embroiled in a heated debate over the illegal trade of codeine-based cough syrup, which has sparked a major controversy in the state.

The issue came to the forefront after the government formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) under an Inspector General (IG)-rank officer to probe the illegal diversion and trade of codeine cough syrup across five districts. The SIT includes officials from the Food and Drug Safety Authority (FDSA).

So far:

• 128 FIRs have been registered across 28 districts

• 32 people have been arrested

• Nearly 280 drug licences have been cancelled as part of the crackdown

Chief Minister’s Stand and Opposition Response

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath rejected demands from the Samajwadi Party (SP) for a full assembly debate on the codeine cough syrup trade, asserting that investigations are already underway and that no deaths have been reported in Uttar Pradesh due to consumption of codeine cough syrup.

He stated that 78 accused are currently behind bars and that the government is taking strict action against everyone involved, including the use of bulldozers to demolish properties of illegal manufacturers and suppliers.

The SP, however, remained dissatisfied with the government's response and staged a protest in the Well of the House, raising slogans and demanding a more transparent inquiry.

Political and Social Implications

The codeine cough syrup controversy has exposed alleged links between BJP politicians, drug inspectors, suppliers, and sellers, with claims that a nexus is minting money by flooding the market with narcotics packaged as cough syrup.

The Enforcement Directorate has detected the involvement of hawala agents, and there are suspicions that some terror networks in Bangladesh and western Uttar Pradesh may be connected to this trade, diverting earnings for anti-national activities.

The government has vowed to take legal action against all involved and has stepped up enforcement to prevent further illegal activities.

Government Response and Public Reaction

The Uttar Pradesh government has taken several administrative measures to address the issue, including:

• Formation of joint investigation teams

• Registration of FIRs

• Cancellation of drug licences

The crackdown has led to the recovery of approximately 3.5 lakh bottles of codeine cough syrup worth ₹4.5 crore and the arrest of 32 individuals, highlighting the scale of the racket.

Despite these actions, the controversy continues to generate public concern and political debate, with opposition parties demanding greater transparency and accountability.

Conclusion

The presentation of the supplementary budget and the ongoing codeine cough syrup controversy reflect the complex challenges facing Uttar Pradesh today. While the government seeks to strengthen the state's infrastructure and essential services, it also faces significant pressure to address public health and safety issues related to the illegal drug trade.

The situation underscores the need for continued vigilance, effective governance, and robust legal action to ensure the well-being of the state's citizens.