Patanjali's messaging app Kimbho back on Google Play Store after being removed

Yoga guru Baba Ramdev-backed Patanjali Ayurved's instant messaging app Kimbho, which means 'how are you' in Sanskrit after being pulled down from Google Play Store today is back on the platform.

A day after its beta trial version was introduced, Kimbho was removed from Play Store. Patanjali Ayurved Spokesperson S K Tijarawala in a tweet said that it was a conspiracy by multinational companies against a Swadeshi firm.

#पतंजलि स्वदेशी @KimbhoApp विदेशी कंपनियों के षड़यंत्र का शिकार हो गया है। असुविधा के लिए खेद है। #किम्भो एप अतिशीघ्र पुनः प्रारम्भ होगा।#Patanjali #kimbho App has fallen victim of conspiracy of foreign companies #MNCs
We regret the inconveniences.
It will be back soon @ANI pic.twitter.com/b4FdHhIAHb

— Tijarawala SK (@tijarawala) August 16, 2018

No reason was given for the removal, Patanjali has sought an answer from Google in this regard, he added.

Entrackr soon after the reports of Kimbho removal, checked Google Play Store and found the app on the platform. Though the version seemed too tedious and slow in response.

 We tried to register on the app but the process could not go beyond authentication.

Many users and experts complained of technical and security glitches.

In May this year, Ramdev along with launching ‘swadeshi SIM’ with state-owned cellular network BSNL, had announced to launch ''shudh desi' instant messaging app ‘Kimbho’.

Soon after its launch, it had removed the app. Now, the firm is planning to relaunch it on August 27.

T-2
उनके सुधार के साथ विधिवत 27 अगस्त 2018 को लॉन्च करेंगे । आपके सुझाव व समीक्षा का हम स्वागत करते है । आओ लॉन्च से पहले ही इस स्वदेशी “किम्भो:” को पूरी दुनिया में गूंजा दे।
स्वतंत्रता दिवस की हार्दिक शुभकामनाएं ।
भारत माता की जय ।
डाउनलोड करे https://t.co/rpiao1Tm0T pic.twitter.com/BJEBI8myFE

— Acharya Balkrishna (@Ach_Balkrishna) August 15, 2018

With punchline ‘Ab Bharat Bolega’, it boasts to offer all services available on existing apps such as Whatsapp, WeChat and Hike. It also claimed to ensure an end to end encryption that supports features including ghost chatting and auto delete options. It has over 10k downloads on Play Store.

Patanjali moves to enter the space at a time when a leader in the instant messaging segment Facebook-owned Whatsapp is surrounded with fake message controversy.

While the Patanjali’s debut into tech-oriented business is surprising, it has been making attempts to be first swadeshi firm to provide all essential things to people.

In January, Patanjali went online to boost its sales and partnered with e-tailer giants. Its annual sales, as per the company spokesperson, have witnessed 100 percent growth since 2013 to touch Rs 10,500 crore.

However, according to research firm Kantar Worldpanel, Patanjali’s sales volume has gone down in last 12 months. It saw growth of merely 7% during October-March 2018 and 22% in April-September 2017.