Bhatkal: The BJP has strongly opposed the operation of the newly opened Hi-Tech Fish Market in Bhatkal and has demanded its immediate closure. The market, which was inaugurated seven years ago but only recently made operational, is now facing sharp criticism from local BJP leaders.
Addressing a press conference at the BJP office on Friday, former BJP MLA Sunil Naik expressed serious objections, claiming that the old fish market is being relocated to the newly built hi-tech facility — a move he said goes against the assurances given by District In-charge Minister Mankal Vaidya, who had reportedly promised fish vendors that the old market would not be shut down.
Without directly naming any community, Naik alleged that the new market was part of a conspiracy aimed at benefiting a specific group.
Naik emphasized that the old fish market had long served as a livelihood source for small vendors, auto-rickshaw drivers, and daily wage workers. He alleged that the new development plan is politically motivated and aimed at converting the old market space into a “Gulf Market,” which would displace local traders.
He further accused Minister Mankal Vaidya of favoritism, stating that the minister held a private meeting with a member of a specific community and then publicly staged a review of public concerns. Naik argued that if the minister genuinely cared about the public, he would have allocated at least ₹25 lakh for the development of the old fish market — something that never happened.
Highlighting structural flaws, Naik claimed that the new fish market lacks adequate space, accommodating only about 50 vendors, and criticized its “unscientific” design. He labeled the project a failure and demanded its immediate closure.
Mocking the minister’s claims of being capable of “doing everything,” Naik pointed to the poor condition of rural roads and the cancellation of BPL cards for households consuming less than 150 units of electricity. As a result, many families are no longer eligible for benefits under the Ayushman Bharat scheme.
Naik also accused the minister of neglecting real public issues while spending time on statewide tours. He alleged that the 'Janaspandana' programs organized by the minister are largely attended by party workers and do not benefit the general public.
It is worth recalling that when the Hi-Tech Fish Market was first inaugurated in 2018, it was done by the then District In-Charge Minister R.V. Deshpande, in the presence of none other than Sunil Naik himself, who was the sitting MLA at that time.
Senior BJP leader Govind Naik, BJP District General Secretary Subaraya Devadiga, and BJP District General Secretary Srikanth Naik also spoke at the press conference.