Baba Ramdev vs Reliance Jio: Patanjali launches SIM card in tie-up with BSNL

The telecom market has just become even more interesting, because now Patanjali king Baba Ramdev has stepped into this sector by joining hands with state-owned Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL). Riding on the back of Ramdev’s popularity, Patanjali has been able to turn some stones into gold over the years in the FMCG industry. The company was once called a disruptor in FMCG market, and we already know that this tag has been bagged in telecom by Mukesh Ambani led Reliance Jio. Things have become even more twisted in this industry as it looks like Patanjali and Reliance Jio way of doing business has some similarities. 

Patanjali, which entered FMCG market in 2006, has given sleepless nights to major players like Colgate Palmolive, Hindustan Unilever, Nestle, Dabur and Emami. The company produces  products in the categories of personal care and food. It manufactures more than 900 products including 45 types of cosmetic products and 30 types of food products. 

The method to beat these big FMCG players has been simple for Patanjali as it sells these products at cheaper rate compared to rivals and tom-toms the catch-phrase that they are good for everyone's health. 

Well, being affordable to the point of making available products free is something RJio is famous for as well. Since inception in September 2016, the company is known for its free offers, heavy data, unlimited voice calls, VOLTE 4G services, cashback offers and many other freebies. Telcos like Bharti Airtel, Idea Cellular and Vodafone India have faced heat of RJio’s  offers because they continue to record losses in their financial performance. 

Considering the above factors, one must really ask a question, has RJio got a new competitor? Airtel, Vodafone, Idea and others have been trying their best to beat RJio, but the going has been uphill. Now, a new adversary has raised his head and it is none other than Baba Ramdev's Patanjali.  So, will Patanjali use it’s technique of cheap rates and bring it into play in telecom market as well to take on RJio? For now, let’s have a look at what Patanjali is offering with BSNL. 

At an event held on Sunday, Ramdev launched a Swadeshi Samriddhi SIM cards in alliance with BSNL. Through this SIM card, users will be able to avail unlimited calls, 2GB data and 100 SMS by making a recharge of just Rs 144. The offer has a validity period of 28 days. 

As per a ANI report, the card also comes with the medical and life insurance covers of Rs 2.5 lakh and Rs 5 lakh, respectively. Also the motive of Patanjali and BSNL is the welfare of the country. 

However, it needs to be noted that, this offer is available only to employees and office bearers of Patanjali for now. 

But after a full-fledged launch, reportedly it is expected that people will even receive 10% rebate on Patanjali products with this card. 

Tying up with Patanjali is good news for BSNL, which is trying to stay afloat in the market that has been disrupted by RJio. State-owned telecom operators do not have the freedom like the private ones to continue using cheap data plans, however, BSNL has prepped up to mark it’s presence with a list of offers.