BJP demands closure of newly opened hi-tech fish market in Bhatkal

Bhatkal: 05 October,25 (Bhatkallys News Bureau) The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has demanded the immediate closure of the newly opened Hi-Tech Fish Market in Bhatkal, alleging irregularities and political motives behind its operation. The market, inaugurated seven years ago but made functional only recently, has drawn strong criticism from local BJP leaders.

Addressing a press conference at the BJP office on Friday, former Bhatkal MLA Sunil Naik said that the relocation of fish vendors from the old market to the new Hi-Tech facility violates the assurance reportedly given by District In-Charge Minister Mankal Vaidya that the old market would continue to function.

Naik alleged that the move was part of a larger plan designed to benefit a particular community, though he refrained from naming it directly. “The old fish market has long been a source of livelihood for small vendors, daily wage workers, and auto drivers. The decision to shift it is politically motivated and intended to convert the old site into what they call a ‘Gulf Market,’ which will push out local traders,” he said.

The BJP leader also accused Minister Mankal Vaidya of favoritism, claiming that the minister met privately with a member of a specific community before conducting a public review. “If the minister was truly concerned about the public, he would have sanctioned at least ₹25 lakh for the renovation of the old fish market. But that never happened,” Naik said.

Criticizing the structure of the new facility, Naik termed it “unscientific” and claimed that it can accommodate only about 50 vendors. “This project has failed in its very purpose. It should be shut down immediately,” he demanded.

Naik also took a dig at Minister Vaidya’s claims of administrative efficiency, pointing to deteriorating rural roads and the cancellation of Below Poverty Line (BPL) cards for families consuming less than 150 units of electricity. “Many such families are now excluded from the Ayushman Bharat health scheme benefits,” he added.

He further alleged that the minister has been neglecting genuine public concerns while focusing on political events. “The ‘Janaspandana’ programs organized under his supervision are mostly attended by party workers rather than ordinary citizens,” Naik claimed.

It may be recalled that the Hi-Tech Fish Market was originally inaugurated in 2018 by then District In-Charge Minister R.V. Deshpande, in the presence of Sunil Naik himself, who was serving as the local MLA at the time.

BJP leaders Govind Naik, District General Secretaries Subaraya Devadiga and Srikanth Naik also addressed the press conference, extending their support to the demand for the market’s closure.