Bengaluru, 17 Oct

The Siddaramaiah-led government is facing scrutiny after it was reportedly issued a fake certificate from the ‘London Book of World Records’ for its Shakti scheme, which offers free bus rides to women in the state. The BJP and JD(S) have criticised the move. The Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) is reportedly looking into the incident. 

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had announced three days ago on X that the scheme received recognition for the highest number of free bus rides availed by women. Screenshots shared by BJP MLC CT Ravi indicate that the certificate can be purchased, with ‘Award Plans’ ranging from Rs 4,000 to Rs 10,000.

JD(S) noted that the World Records Body was dissolved on 15 July, 2025. Ravi posted on X: “Not only is the certificate fake. It has a rate card to buy. How low can you go to fool people?” The certificate bears the signatures of Avinash D Sakunde, International Chairman, and Dr Ivan Gacina, EU Head, Republic of Croatia.

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

However, the The Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) hit back, stating that 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 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'.