Yogi Adityanath’s ‘Do Namoone’ Comment Sparks Sharp Response From Akhilesh Yadav

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has triggered a sharp political exchange with his "do namoone" (two specimens) remark during a debate in the state assembly on alleged codeine-based cough syrup smuggling. Without directly naming anyone, Adityanath referred to "two specimens—one in Delhi and one in Lucknow—who flee abroad whenever important national discussions take place." The comment was widely seen as targeting Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav. Adityanath used the jibe while dismissing opposition claims that the government's inaction had endangered children, insisting no fatalities from the syrup had occurred in Uttar Pradesh.

The remark escalated ongoing verbal battles between the ruling BJP and the opposition, particularly in India's most populous state. It followed Adityanath's earlier criticism at a Bihar rally, where he compared Gandhi, Akhilesh Yadav, and RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav to "three monkeys" of the INDIA alliance, labeling them "Pappu," "Tappu," and "Appu" for allegedly avoiding truth. The assembly session focused on public health and law enforcement, with the Samajwadi Party accusing the administration of failing to dismantle smuggling networks effectively. A video clip of Adityanath's speech rapidly spread across social media, intensifying the controversy.

Akhilesh Yadav responded almost immediately on X, moments after Adityanath shared the video himself. He described the Chief Minister's words as a "confession" exposing internal BJP conflicts between the state government and central leadership. Yadav called for maintaining decorum in constitutional roles and advised against publicly airing party infighting. The Samajwadi Party has frequently alleged attempts to diminish Adityanath's authority through measures like appointing deputy chief ministers and certain bureaucratic postings.

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Adityanath has consistently refuted such allegations, stating his position as Chief Minister is due to unwavering party support. This latest episode highlights persistent tensions in Uttar Pradesh politics, where the BJP retains a dominant legislative majority but faces robust opposition scrutiny. Political observers note that such confrontations often serve to rally respective bases ahead of electoral cycles.

The incident has also drawn attention to the underlying issue of banned pharmaceutical smuggling, with ongoing investigations by state agencies. While preventive actions and bans have been enforced in Uttar Pradesh, the opposition continues to press for accountability. As rhetoric sharpens, the exchange reflects broader national debates on governance, federal relations, and inter-party dynamics within the ruling coalition. Analysts expect similar sparring to persist as parties prepare for future contests in this key battleground state.

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