JOIN USYoga guru-turned-businessman Ramdev on Tuesday declared that he will not mess with politics for the time being even as he has announced partnerships with top e-commerce players such as Amazon and Flipkart to sell his FMCG products.
"I am opposed to FDI in retail. But, I will not land in a political mess for the time being (Filhal kuch rajnaitik panga nahi loonga," Ramdev told reporters here when asked about his opinion about the Modi government's decision to allow 100% FDI in single-brand retail.
Ramdev, who was at the forefront of the anti-corruption movement along side Anna Hazare in 2011-12, said he has decided to focus on promotion of yoga, ayurveda and swadeshi and that his dabbling with politics earlier was in response to an "emergent situation".
Earlier, Ramdev announced that Patanjali Ayurved will also start selling its FMCG products through leading online retailers like Amazon, Flipkart, Bigbasket, Grofers, Paytm Mall, Shopclues, 1mg, and Netmeds.
Patanjali Ayurved's prescription medicines will be sold only through Netmeds and 1mg.
He did not share any timelines, but said that online sales will form 15% of Patanjali's total turnover in coming years.
"Online mechanism aims to provide convenient and efficient option along with extension of traditional retail market," Ramdev said while announcing the partnerships.
Ramdev made it clear that Patanjali will not offer discount for selling online to maintain balance with sale from brick-and-mortar outlets.
Acharya Balkrishna, the CEO and managing director of Patanjali Ayurved said that he aimed to achieve a turnover of Rs 1,000 to Rs 2,000 crore from online sales in the next one year.
On interest evinced by international players in picking up stake in Patanjali Ayurved, Ramdev said he had no plans to enter into partnerships with global firms.
"As far Patanjali is concerned, we will not enter into partnership with any international company. If someone wants to give financial support we will welcome it. But we don't support foreign direct investment," Ramdev said.
In 2016-17, Patanjali Ayurved had crossed a turnover of Rs 10,500 crore and aims a two-fold growth this fiscal.