Karnataka govt left red-faced over 'fake' record certificate; BJP mocks CM

The Karnataka government seems to have fallen for a ''fake'' certificate issued by a so-called ''London Book of World Records'' appreciating its Shakti guarantee scheme, prompting ridicule from opposition BJP and the JD(S).

After the alleged expose by the BJP, the CM's Office (CMO) is now looking into the matter.

Three days ago, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had said on his 'X' account that his government's 'Shakti' scheme, facilitating free bus rides for all women domiciled in the state, has been certified by the 'London Book of World Records' for the highest number of free bus rides availed by women.

It has now turned out that the certificate comes for a price, as claimed by the BJP MLC and former Minister C T Ravi.

The JD(S) claimed that London Book of World Records Ltd ''was dissolved on July 15, 2025.'' On his 'X' page, Ravi said: ''Not only is the certificate fake. It has a rate card to buy! How low can you go and show all these cheap tricks to fool people.'' One can receive award by shelling out money as there are 'Award Plans', as seen from some screenshots shared by Ravi.

For instance, the 'classic plan' of Rs 4,000, carrying certificate, medal, trophy, will be despatched by courier. The Platinum package comes at a price of Rs 10,000.

Avinash D Sakunde is ''International Chairman'' of London Book of Records, while Dr Ivan Gacina is the European Union Head, Republic of croatia, who have signed on the certificate.

''A BIG embarrassment for Congress,'' said BJP IT Wing in-charge Amit Malviya.

''Yesterday, no less than Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah proudly claimed that two state schemes were recognised by the London Book of Records. Turns out it's FAKE. Someone literally conned the Congress! The so-called certificate is full of spelling and grammatical errors. Worse, the company was dissolved in July 2025, and the page is now apparently being run from Chuna Mandi, Paharganj, Delhi under the name London Book of World Records! Only the Congress could fall for this level of scam within a scam,'' he said on his 'X' account.

When contacted, a senior official in the CM's office told PTI: ''Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy had shared it with us. Now we are seeking clarification from him.'' The Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) issued a statement on Friday evening stating that under the state government's ambitious women empowerment project 'Shakti Yojana', 500 crore free tickets were issued to women passengers, which is a world record.

''And, KSRTC (from 1997 to September 2025), with the distinction of being the public road transport corporation that has received the highest number of awards, has been included in two world records Golden Book of World Records and London Book of World Records,'' the statement said.

The KSRTC said already the Shakti scheme has been included in the Golden Book of World Records and the International Book of Records.

''From 1997 to October 2025, the four transport corporations together have received a total of 667 national and international awards, out of which KSRTC alone has received 464 awards this achievement has been included in the world record,'' it said.

The KSRTC also shared pictures of Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Bollywood actors Sonu Sood and Meenakshi Seshadri, singer Hansraj Hans and several others receiving 'London Book of World Records'.

Later, the CM's office released Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy's clarification.

He also stated that the post has been withdrawn from the Karnataka Chief Minister's official 'X' handle.

Noting that the achievements cited are factual, verifiable, and stand independently of any third-party recognition, Reddy said, ''The post was withdrawn solely to avoid distraction from the substance of these accomplishments. Karnataka's welfare model continues to draw widespread recognition - not just nationally but globally.''

(This story has not been edited by Devdiscourse staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)