Ashneer Grover Criticizes Piyush Goyal for Remarks on Indian Startups:

Ashneer Grover, the former co-founder and managing director of BharatPe, criticized Union Minister Piyush Goyal on April 4 for what he called an unfair rebuke of today’s entrepreneurs. In a post on X, Grover argued that politicians, not job creators, need a reality check in India.

He wrote, “The only people in India who need a ‘reality check’ are its politicians. Everyone else is living in the absolute reality of India.”

The only people in India who need a ‘reality check’ are it’s politicians. Everyone else is living in the absolute reality of India.

China also had food delivery first and then evolved to deep tech. It’s great to aspire for what they’ve done - maybe time for politicians to aspire… pic.twitter.com/6WT8moviAz
— Ashneer Grover (@Ashneer_Grover) April 4, 2025

Grover defended India's startup ecosystem, emphasizing that even China started its tech journey with food delivery services before progressing to deeper tech innovations. He suggested that instead of criticizing entrepreneurs, the government should target long-term growth.

Call for Focus on Economic Goals

“China also had food delivery first and then evolved to deep tech. It’s great to aspire for what they’ve done—maybe time for politicians to aspire for 10%+ economic growth rate for 20 years flat before chiding today’s job creators,” he added.

Grover also hinted that political discourse should move away from historical controversies and focus on scientific and technological progress. “Maybe time to change ‘public discourse’ from history to science! Thanks Minister sir for starting this healthy debate,” he wrote.

Mohandas Pai Echoes Concerns

Grover’s criticism followed comments made a day earlier by Mohandas Pai, former CFO of Infosys, who had also voiced concern over Goyal’s remarks. Pai defended Indian startups and questioned the minister’s contribution to fostering deep-tech in the country.

Pai posted on X: “Minister Piyush Goyal should not belittle our startups but ask himself what he has done as our Minister to help deep tech startups grow in India?”

He further criticized policy challenges, including issues related to angel tax and lack of institutional support for startups.

Goyal Questions Startup Impact

Union Minister Piyush Goyal recently challenged the startup community to reassess their long-term vision. He urged entrepreneurs to move beyond low-skill gig economy jobs and compete globally in deep-tech innovation.

His comments triggered debate across India’s startup and tech community, leading to strong reactions from industry leaders like Grover and Pai.