In Gujarat’s Surat, a fish market named after PM Modi raises a stink

In Gujarat's Surat, controversy has arisen over a fish market designated after Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Surat Fish Merchant Association inaugurated the Shree Narendra Modi Wholesale Fish Market on Monday, featuring a picture of the Prime Minister. However, some traders protested the naming, prompting the market's banner to be covered on Tuesday.

The building, supported by the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana, is the city's first municipal corporation-run wholesale fish market with space for 80 outlets. A member and fish trader, Surendra Lashkari, opposed the name, arguing it could damage the Prime Minister's image since he is a vegetarian. In response, the association's president defended the decision, stating the market was built with government funds and the Prime Minister supports the fisheries sector through the Blue Revolution.

The Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana aims to develop modern wholesale fish markets to ensure quality fish for consumers. The scheme, implemented by the Department of Fisheries, has received contributions from both the central and Gujarat governments. The final decision on the market's name will be made by the municipal corporation's cultural committee, which must approve the proposal.