Karnataka’s Transport Minister, Ramalinga Reddy, issued a statement to clarify a social media post made by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, which touted two supposed “world records” achieved by the state’s Shakti scheme. The post, shared on the Chief Minister’s official handle, highlighted accolades purportedly received by the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) from the “London Book of World Records.” These included 464 national and international awards for service excellence since 1997 and Karnataka’s distinction for the highest number of complimentary bus rides for women under the Shakti initiative.
The certificates gained significant attention online until users pointed out that the “London Book of World Records Ltd,” a private UK-based entity, had been dissolved in July 2025 as per the UK Companies House records. Subsequently, the post was flagged for authenticity concerns and removed within a day.
In his clarification, Minister Reddy explained that the post was removed to prevent distractions but emphasized that the accomplishments mentioned were factual, verifiable, and independent of third-party endorsements. He noted that the London Book of World Records is a private record-keeping organization that has previously recognized various Indian public figures and institutions. Furthermore, Reddy highlighted praise from Philemon Yang, the President of the United Nations General Assembly, for Karnataka’s guarantee schemes, including Shakti, in promoting gender equality and inclusive public services.
The Minister reiterated the public record and pride in KSRTC’s performance and the success of the Shakti scheme, which has facilitated over 100 crore free bus journeys for women in a little over a year. However, the Janata Dal (Secular) criticized the government, pointing out that the UK-registered company in question sells record packages and sarcastically remarked, “We thought only their surname was borrowed. Now even their certificates are bought.”
This development sheds light on the scrutiny faced by the state government regarding the authenticity of the claimed world records for the Shakti scheme.