Surat Fish Market Named After PM Modi Sparks Opposition Among Traders

A proposal to name a wholesale fish market in Surat after Prime Minister Narendra Modi has triggered opposition from a section of fish traders.

The Surat Fish Merchant Association inaugurated the market on Monday under the name ‘Shree Narendra Modi Wholesale Fish Market’, with a picture of the Prime Minister displayed on the banner.

However, the naming quickly became controversial after some members of the association objected to the decision. By Tuesday, the banner carrying the market's name had been covered with a white sheet.

The market has been built with assistance from the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana and is the first wholesale fish market operated by the Surat Municipal Corporation. The facility can accommodate around 80 outlets.

Fish Traders Oppose Naming

The inauguration ceremony reportedly saw a verbal confrontation between some association members and Surendra Lashkari, a fish trader and member of the association who also has a plot in the market.

Lashkari objected to naming the fish market after the Prime Minister, arguing that it could affect the image and identity of Narendra Modi, who is known to be vegetarian.

The disagreement has brought attention to the decision by the traders' association to name a fish market after the Prime Minister.

Market Built Under Central Government Scheme

The wholesale market was developed with support from the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana, a central government initiative aimed at strengthening fisheries infrastructure.

As Surat's first municipal corporation-run wholesale fish market, the new facility is expected to provide dedicated space for fish traders and accommodate up to 80 outlets.

However, the controversy surrounding its proposed name has overshadowed the inauguration, with the banner now covered following objections from members of the association.

The dispute is likely to continue as traders discuss whether the market should retain the proposed name or be given an alternative identity.