Archive · 26 Aug 2026
Surat Fish Market Naming After Modi Sparks Political Controversy
A new fish market in Surat was given a sign that used Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s name.
Some fish sellers did not like this because they said Modi is a strict vegetarian.
The city government said the name had not been officially approved yet.
It said the fish traders’ association had asked for the name, but the sign was put up too soon.
The association said the government helped pay ₹3 crore to build the market.
It used this funding as a reason to support the proposed name.
The association reportedly promised to remove the sign after being told it was unofficial.
The issue is part of several recent arguments in Indian politics involving fish and food customs.
A board labeled “Shree Narendra Modi Wholesale Fish Market” appeared at a newly built Surat market.
Some traders objected, saying Prime Minister Narendra Modi is a vegetarian who has never eaten seafood.
The Surat Municipal Corporation said the naming process was incomplete and the board lacked an official resolution.
The Surat Fish Merchant Association defended the proposal, citing ₹3 crore in government funding for construction.
The dispute follows other fish-related political controversies involving Congress events and a minister’s comments on vegetarianism.
- Who
- The Surat Fish Merchant Association, some fish traders, the Surat Municipal Corporation, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi are central to the dispute.
- What
- A newly built fish market displayed a board naming it after Narendra Modi without an official naming resolution.
- When
- The controversy arose after the board was placed at the market; the article also cites related disputes from the previous week and two weeks earlier.
- Where
- At Lakkadkot in the Nanpura area of Surat, Gujarat.
- Why
- Some traders opposed the name because Modi is vegetarian, while the association cited government funding for the market and sought to honor him.
Objecting traders
Fish association and civic explanation
Using Modi’s name for a fish market
Objecting traders
Some traders objected because Narendra Modi is a vegetarian and, according to the report, has never consumed seafood.
Fish association and civic explanation
The Surat Fish Merchant Association supported the proposal and cited the ₹3 crore government contribution toward constructing the market.
Whether the name was officially approved
Objecting traders
The board’s display triggered the controversy because it appeared to present the name as settled.
Fish association and civic explanation
The Surat Municipal Corporation said the naming process was still incomplete, no official resolution had been passed, and the board had been installed without authorization.
- Proposed market name
- “Shree Narendra Modi Wholesale Fish Market”
- Location
- Lakkadkot, Nanpura area, Surat
- Builder
- Surat Municipal Corporation
- Association named on board
- Surat Fish Merchant Association
- Government funding cited
- ₹3 crore under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana
- Official status
- The Surat Municipal Corporation said the naming process was incomplete and the board lacked an official resolution.
- Expected action
- The association gave verbal assurance that it would remove the board itself.