After calling Indore's top ranking in cleanliness as 'bought', Ashneer Grover says 'sorry, not sorry'

The ever-vocal co-founder of BharatPe and former Shark Tank India judge, Ashneer Grover, finds himself amidst a potential defamation case following controversial comments he made against Indore during an event in Indore on Sunday, September 10.

Grover's remarks at the Jain International Trade Organisation (JITO) event about the city's top ranking in the Central Government's cleanliness survey over the last six years have ignited a heated debate and legal action against him.

Following the news of legal actions and statements of local representatives, he took to X (formerly Twitter) to post, "Sorry. Not Sorry!"

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Context

• The controversy erupted when Grover, speaking at an event in Indore, made a remark that Indore's top ranking in cleanliness had been "bought."

• He said he was not into the practice of praising cities during public appearances and quipped, "Now the problem with me is that for three/four years I have heard that Indore is the cleanest city...you have bought the survey. It's a simple thing."

• However, Grover immediately clarified that he was not implying any lack of cleanliness in Indore but was referring to ongoing construction work in the city that disrupts traffic.

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Unapologetic response to defamation case

• In response to the defamation case registered against him, Ashneer Grover took to social media with an unapologetic stance.

• On X (formerly Twitter) yesterday, September 11, he expressed regret towards the city of Indore but made it clear that he had no apologies for politicians.

• In his statement, he said, "Sorry to Indore. You’ve got great people and a city. But politicians everywhere have got no chill!"

• He even hinted that the reason for the political backlash could be the upcoming elections in the state in November by saying, "It might be an election year - but people are smart. Indori people - super smart. I’ll come to Indore when I wish, as many times as I wish - and am confident of Indori mehmaan nawazi."

Response

• Indore's Mayor Pushyamitra Bhargava, after viewing the video of Grover's remarks, characterized them as an insult to the hard work of the city's residents and sanitation workers dedicated to maintaining cleanliness.
• He said, "We will take appropriate legal action against this insult and serve him a notice for defamation."

• The Indore Municipal Corporation chief sanitary inspector, Sanjay Ghavri, also filed a complaint leading to the registration of the non-cognizable offence information report (NCR) against Grover, PTI reported.

A Non-Cognizable Offence Report (NCR) in India is a complaint filed for minor offences where the police cannot take immediate action without a court's permission or investigation order.

Grover's defiant stance

• Ashneer Grover remained resolute in the face of the defamation case and asserted on X (formerly Twitter), "Not Sorry to any politician. Ever. No one. Any party. FIR kar lo. Case kar lo. Koi farak nahi padta - I am not a pushover - won’t be bullied."
• He stressed that he would not be intimidated by legal actions, conveyed his confidence in the people of Indore, and added he would visit the city again and again.

Bhopal vs Indore

• Amidst the controversy, Grover also said his personal preference is Bhopal over Indore.
• He stated, in the same X post, "And yes on Bhopal vs. Indore - my favorite remains Bhopal. It would be dishonest of me to put Bhopal lower when I feel it’s not only MP’s but India’s best city."