Ashneer Grover Blasts Budget 2026 as 'Complete Time Waste'
BharatPe co-founder and former Shark Tank India judge Ashneer Grover has delivered a scathing critique of Budget 2026, labeling it a "waste of time" for both citizens and the government. In a sharp social media post, Grover drew a direct parallel to his memorable rebuke from the popular business reality show.
Shark Tank Echo in Budget Criticism
Taking to X on Sunday, Grover wrote: "This budget reminded me of my rebuke on Shark Tank to one of the pitchers: 'Bilkul time waste kiya aapne – apna bhi aur humara bhi!'" The comment references his straightforward, no-nonsense style that made him a fan favorite during the show's inaugural season in 2023.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented Budget 2026 in Parliament on February 1, but Grover's response suggests deep disappointment with what he perceives as inadequate measures for India's economic challenges.
Startup Sector Concerns Highlighted
In an interview with News18 earlier in the week, Grover elaborated on his concerns, particularly regarding the startup ecosystem. "As far as startups go, investment has begun to slow down," he argued, outlining a concerning trend:
- 2021 represented peak investment levels
- 2022 and 2023 saw lower investment figures
- 2024 and 2025 experienced even further declines
Grover acknowledged some successful exits through IPOs but noted that "even the investors who are exiting companies through IPOs aren't putting the money back in." This capital recycling issue, he suggested, reflects broader economic challenges.
Broader Economic Analysis
The entrepreneur connected startup funding trends to larger macroeconomic indicators. "Your FDIs are absolutely low, and that's what is reflecting on the currency," Grover stated, referencing the rupee's exchange rate. "Your currency is not 92 without a reason. The reason is capital inflows have slowed down."
He expressed concern that international investors "aren't as gung-ho about the economy as we want them to be," adding that while retail investors can sustain markets temporarily, they cannot carry the burden indefinitely.
Persistent Inequality Challenges
In a previous interview with SCREEN, Grover had identified economic inequality as one of India's primary challenges. He attributed this to India's massive population of 140 crore people, suggesting that development must precede reduced inequality.
When asked hypothetically what he would do if appointed Social Justice Minister, Grover responded with characteristic pragmatism: "It's all about economics. You can't be taking away money from people who have it and distributing among those who don't. You have to create enough employment for everyone and let everyone work for what they earn."
From Fintech Pioneer to Pop Culture Icon
Ashneer Grover first gained prominence as co-founder of digital payments platform BharatPe in 2018. His popularity surged following his appearance as a Shark on Shark Tank India's first season, where his "doglapan" critique became a viral meme phenomenon.
After departing from the show in subsequent seasons, Grover most recently hosted the reality series Rise and Fall on Amazon MXPlayer, maintaining his presence in India's entertainment landscape while continuing to voice strong opinions on economic matters.
