Sorry, not sorry! says BharatPe's Ashneer Grover while offering an apology to Indore amid controversy over cleanliness ranking

Amidst a recent controversy surrounding comments made by BharatPe's co-founder, Ashneer Grover, regarding Indore's top rank in the Centre's cleanliness survey, Grover has offered an apology to the city while firmly standing his ground against politicians. The controversy led to the registration of a non-cognizable offence information report (NCR) against Grover, following the circulation of a video in which he commented on Indore's cleanliness ranking and seemingly suggested that it had been "bought."

In response to the developments, Grover took to his social media platform to share the contentious video and address the situation. He expressed his regret to the city of Indore, acknowledging its great people and the city's merits. However, he made it clear that his apology did not extend to politicians, stating, "Not sorry to any politician. Ever. No one. Any party."



Furthermore, Grover emphasized that the statement he made was intended as a light-hearted jest during a playful conversation about Bhopal versus Indore. He asserted that no offense was meant, and no one present at the time took offense. He also indicated that he would not be easily intimidated or bullied, and he urged against making an issue out of a harmless remark.

Regarding the ongoing debate of Bhopal versus Indore, Grover affirmed his preference for Bhopal, believing it to be not only the best city in Madhya Pradesh but also the best in India.

Indore, in Madhya Pradesh, has maintained its position as the top-ranked city in the Centre's Swachh Sarvekshan for six consecutive years.

During a recent event, Grover made the controversial statement, suggesting that the cleanliness ranking had been influenced, stating, "See, there is a concept - playing to the gallery, that is, wherever you go, praise it saying I have never seen such a nice city. 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." He later clarified that he did not intend to imply that Indore was unclean, but rather that the city was undergoing significant construction work.

An NCR was registered against Grover under sections 499 (defamation) and 500 (punishment for defamation) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) based on a complaint from the Indore Municipal Corporation.

Indore's Mayor, Pushyamitra Bhargava, strongly condemned Grover's statement, considering it an insult to the hard work of the city's residents and sanitation workers dedicated to maintaining cleanliness. Legal action is planned against Grover, along with a notice for defamation.

State Home Minister Narottam Mishra, responsible for Indore district, also criticized Grover's remarks, asserting, "Those who have garbage in their mind will only see filth."

Sanjay Ghavri, the chief sanitary inspector of Indore Municipal Corporation, expressed that Grover's statement had deeply offended the city's sanitation workers, who tirelessly contribute to the city's cleanliness.

In the midst of this controversy, Grover's comments have ignited a debate on the significance and authenticity of cleanliness rankings, and how they may be perceived and discussed.

(With inputs from PTI)