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Patanjali takes on WhatsApp with Swadeshi messaging app ‘Kimbho’

This comes days after Patanjali tied up with BSNL to launch Swadeshi Samriddhi SIM cards.

Written by : TNM Staff

Days after launching a Swadesh Samriddhi SIM card, Yoga Guru Baba Ramdev’s next big bet is a new messaging app to take on WhatsApp. Now available on Google Play Store, Patanjali has launched a new messaging app ‘Kimbho’ on Wednesday with the tagline ‘Ab Bharat Bolega’.

According to Patanjali’s spokesperson SK Tijariwala, this is the country’s own ‘swadeshi’ messaging platform, which will give WhatsApp competition. He took to Twitter to announce the launch (in Hindi) saying, "Now Bharat will speak. After launching sim cards, baba Ramdev has launched a new messaging application called Kimbho. Now Whats App will be given a competition. Our own Swadeshi Messaging platform. Download it directly from Google Play store."

However, on Thursday, there were reports of the app suddenly disappearing from Google Play Store. It was still seen on iOS app store till Wednesday. Several people who tried to download the app from Play Store were amused at its sudden disappearance.

Interestingly, this comes days after Patanjali partnered with BSNL to launch ‘Swadeshi Samriddhi SIM cards’. The sim cards, which are currently available only to employees and office bearers of the company offer unlimited calls across the country, 2GB data pack and 100 SMSs for a recharge of just Rs 144. There are also recharge offers for Rs. 792, and Rs. 1,584. While the benefits remain the same, the validity periods are longer. The Rs. 792 is valid for 180 days, while the Rs 1,584 plan has a validity period of 365 days. According to reports, the Rs 144 plan is available across India except in Mumbai and Delhi circles.

Once the Swadeshi Samriddhi SIM is launched for the public, people can get them from the five lakh BSNL counters across the country.  Holders of the sim will also get discount of 10 per cent on Patanjali products.

From staples, to snacks, food items and personal care, Patanjali forayed into dozens of categories. In January 2018, it also forayed into e-commerce for its FMCG items. It is now looking to enter dairy and even the apparel segment.

In FY17, it clocked a turnover of Rs 10,561 crore and around the same in FY18 as well.

With IANS inputs

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