The Karnataka government is facing embarrassment after netizens raised questions over the credibility of certificates claiming 'world records' for the highest number of women availing free travel tickets under the Shakti scheme and the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) as the most award-winning road transport corporation.
On October 16, Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah posted on X: “Karnataka enters the global stage with two historic world records - certified by the London Book of World Records. Shakti Scheme: Largest number of free bus rides availed by women - 564.10 crore journeys, empowering everyday mobility.
KSRTC: Most award-winning road transport corporation in the world - 464 national & international honours since 1997. Our governance vision is rooted in social justice, women’s empowerment, and world-class public service. These recognitions are a reflection of what inclusive and compassionate policymaking can achieve.”
Community Notes, a fact-checking tool introduced on X, on CM's post stated: "London Book of World Records (LBWR) is a private limited company in the UK. The company was dissolved as of 15 July 2025 according to UK Companies House. This does not appear authentic"
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This is not the first time Karnataka is claiming such awards. On October 1, KSRTC announced it had received recognition from the International Book of Records - World Record of Excellence - for the highest number of women availing free bus rides under the Shakti scheme. Earlier, on August 18, KSRTC stated that the Shakti scheme had entered the Golden Book of World Records for enabling over 500 crore women passengers to ride free between June 2023 and July 2025.
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However, the claims drew widespread criticism from opposition leaders and citizens. BJP leader and MLC CT Ravi wrote on X: "This certificate looks as fake as the Congress government itself!”. Telangana BJP leader Vishnu Vardhan Reddy said: “Karnataka CM proudly announced that his government has bagged ‘World Records,’ but the so-called London Book of Records isn’t a global body. It’s an Indian outfit with an Indian phone number. These ‘records’ are for sale - just pay and become a ‘record holder.’ The certificate itself says ‘In Karnataka,’ not ‘In the World."
Netizen Pradeep Krishnamurthy commented: “Anybody and everybody seems to be certified by this organisation. It’s just a certificate issued to the Karnataka government. They don’t maintain any records to verify claims.” Netizen Ajay Rotti added: “The company, which gives this ‘award’, is dissolved in the UK. The only person responsible is an Indian resident who signed the certificate. The page where you can apply lists the head office in Delhi.”
TN BJP leader S Sundar Raman wrote: “The so-called ‘world record’ clearly states ‘Highest number of women free travel tickets availed in Karnataka’ - it’s a record within Karnataka, not a global one. This isn’t Guinness World Records or Limca; it’s from something called the ‘London Book of World Records,’ a random, unrecognised outfit. Please don’t mislead people with flashy certificates. Real achievements don’t need fake validation.”
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