Entrepreneur and former Shark Tank Indiajudge Ashneer Grover unleashed a scathing critique of the Union Budget 2026-27, likening Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's presentation to a lackluster entrepreneurial pitch he once dismissed on the popular reality show.
Taking to X (formerly Twitter) shortly after the Budget speech on February 1, 2026, Grover quoted his iconic rebuke from Shark Tank India Season 1: "This budget reminded of my rebuke on Shark Tank to one of the pitchers: 'Bilkul time waste kiya aapne — apna bhi aur humara bhi!' (You completely wasted time — yours as well as ours!)."
The viral post, which garnered over 11,000 likes, thousands of reposts, and widespread engagement within hours, captured widespread disappointment among sections of the public, traders, and netizens. Many users agreed with Grover's assessment, flooding the replies and quote tweets with memes, sarcastic comments, and criticisms of the Budget's perceived lack of bold reforms, particularly in areas like taxation relief for the middle class, capital markets incentives, and startup support.
Grover's sharp dig referenced a memorable moment from the show where he bluntly rejected a pitch for being unsubstantial and time-consuming. By drawing the parallel, he implied that the nearly two-hour Budget speech was heavy on rhetoric and announcements—such as the ₹12.2 lakh crore capital expenditure target (4.4% of GDP), defense allocations of ₹5.95 lakh crore, and pushes for manufacturing, MSMEs, and infrastructure—but fell short on delivering meaningful, immediate impact or surprises that could energize the economy or markets.
The reaction came amid a sharp market downturn on Budget day, with the Sensex and Nifty reversing pre-Budget gains and falling significantly, partly attributed to hikes in Securities Transaction Tax (STT) on futures and options, along with adjustments in capital gains taxes. Traders and investors expressed frustration online, echoing Grover's sentiment that the Budget offered little to cheer about for retail participants or growth-oriented sectors.
Netizens quickly amplified the post, with many sharing edited clips from Shark Tank India superimposed over Budget highlights, memes mocking the "long on delivery, short on substance" feel, and comments like "Budget pitch sunke lag raha hai Ashneer bol raha ho 'Aap ka passion achha hai, par numbers nahi hain'" (It feels like Ashneer is saying the passion is good, but the numbers aren't there). Others pointed to the absence of aggressive tax cuts or stimulus measures as reasons for the "time waste" verdict.
Grover, the former BharatPe co-founder and author of the bestseller *Doglapan*, is known for his unfiltered opinions on economic matters, startups, and policy. His pre-Budget wishlist in interviews had emphasized taxation reforms, easier funding access, and growth-oriented measures for startups—elements many felt were underrepresented in the final document.
The Budget, framed around a "three-Kartavya" approach of growth acceleration, citizen aspirations, and resource access, received mixed reactions overall. While the government highlighted achievements in infrastructure and social sector pushes (including ₹6 lakh crore for social sectors), critics like Grover highlighted the gap between expectations and delivery, especially in a year building toward long-term economic goals.
As discussions continue, Grover's quip has become a trending reference point for public sentiment on the Budget's effectiveness.
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