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Modi’s Name on Surat Fish Market Board Triggers Controversy
A newly constructed wholesale fish market in Surat has become the centre of a political and administrative controversy after a signboard carrying Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s name and photograph appeared at its entrance.
The board identified the facility in the Nanpura-Lakkadkot area as the “Shree Narendra Modi Wholesale Fish Market.” However, the Surat Municipal Corporation said the name had not received final approval through the required civic process.
Some traders objected to the naming, arguing that Modi is widely known as a vegetarian and that associating his name with a seafood market was inappropriate. Representatives of the traditional Kahar-Machhi community also suggested that the market should instead carry the community’s name.
Surat Fish Merchant Association president Kalpesh Navsariwala defended the proposal. He said it was intended to recognise the Modi government’s support for the fisheries sector, including assistance provided under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana.
The controversy, however, extends beyond Modi’s dietary preference. Municipal properties cannot be officially named by a traders’ association alone. Approval is required from the corporation’s relevant committees and, ultimately, its general body.
Following objections and intervention by civic officials, the association covered the signboard with a white sheet. A formal request seeking approval for the proposed name has now reportedly been submitted.
The market, constructed as a modern wholesale facility with approximately 80 outlets, is meant to improve hygienic storage and fish trading in Surat.
Importantly, Prime Minister Modi has not publicly participated in the dispute. The controversy concerns an unofficial naming decision made locally, rather than a direct confrontation involving the Prime Minister. The final name will depend on the Surat Municipal Corporation’s formal decision.
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