The focus is on the political fallout from the deaths of at least 22 children in Madhya Pradesh, linked to a contaminated cough syrup manufactured by Tamil Nadu-based Sresan Pharmaceuticals. Congress MP Karthi Chidambaram has questioned the DMK-led government in Tamil Nadu, of which his party is an ally, demanding accountability. Chidambaram stated, ‘It is most distressing to note that more than 22 children have passed away because they were administered spurious cough syrup.’ The controversy centres on how the syrup, Coldrif, was approved despite containing lethal levels of diethylene glycol (DEG). While the Tamil Nadu government has suspended two drug inspectors and cancelled the manufacturer’s licence, the incident has created tension within the ruling alliance and sparked a blame game between state and central authorities.