LUCKNOW, Dec. 18 -- Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav hit out at the BJP government, alleging that all kinds of illegal and drug-related businesses were flourishing "under the protection of those in power." He also asked why there had been no bulldozer action against the drug mafia.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Kannauj MP said, "The BJP government is playing with the lives of the people. Fake medicines and poison are being sold in the name of cough syrup."

"Fake and poisonous cough syrup was sold openly across the state. No action was taken against the drug mafia, who continued to expand their operations while the government remained a silent spectator. The government should explain why bulldozers were not used against...