Former BharatPe co-founder Ashneer Grover has weighed in on the controversy surrounding his wife, Madhuri Jain Grover, following her recent remarks on wealth, poverty, and family planning. Madhuri, currently a contestant on the reality show Lock Upp 2, sparked a widespread debate after her comments about desiring a third child went viral.
Madhuri Jain Grover's Viral Remarks
During a segment on Lock Upp 2, Madhuri Jain Grover discussed her personal desire for a third child, a plan she and Ashneer had previously considered. Her statements quickly escalated into a broader discussion on socio-economic status. She asserted that having a third child helps keep one younger, citing wealthy individuals like Shah Rukh Khan as examples who have three children. Madhuri also questioned the universal applicability of the "Hum do humare do" (we two, our two) family planning slogan.
The most contentious part of her statement, which went viral on social media on July 5, 2026, was her assertion: "Jitne ameer log bacche paida karenge toh ameeri badhegi, gareeb log bacche paida karenge to gareebi badhegi." This translates to: "The more rich people have children, the more wealth will increase; the more poor people have children, the more poverty will increase." These remarks quickly ignited a firestorm of criticism online, with many debating their context and implications.
Public Challenge and Ashneer Grover's Response
Amidst the growing backlash, X (formerly Twitter) user and content creator Nalini Unagar directly challenged Ashneer Grover on July 6, 2026. Unagar argued that if poverty is linked to family size, then wealthier individuals should share their resources. She publicly requested Grover to donate a portion of his estimated ₹900 crore fortune, suggesting he distribute ₹50 lakh each to approximately 1,800 families to help them raise their children, thereby "solving the problem of poverty."
Ashneer Grover responded to this public appeal with a characteristically sarcastic Hindi quip: "Bheek / Chanda maangne ka tareeka thoda casual hai. Itne mein itna hi milega, biwi ne gyaan de diya hai already." This statement translates to: "It's a little too informal to beg or ask for donations. For this amount, you will receive the wisdom that my wife has already imparted."
Reactions to Grover's Defense
Grover's swift and sharp reply further intensified the online debate. While some users interpreted his comment as a direct and unapologetic dismissal of the criticism, others viewed it as an evasion of the core issues raised by his wife's initial statements. Supporters argued that Ashneer's wealth was a result of his hard work and not something he should be obligated to donate, with some questioning government tax policies and welfare programs. Conversely, critics continued to lambast the couple, with some bringing up past allegations of financial irregularities against Madhuri Jain Grover during her tenure at BharatPe, further complicating the public perception of the entire controversy.