‘London Book of World Records’ certificate awarded to Karnataka’s Congress government sparks controversy !

Organisation already shut down
Doubts deepen after Chief Minister’s announcement

Bengaluru – Karnataka’s Congress Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced on 16 October 2025 that the State Government’s Shakti Scheme, which provides free bus travel for women, has been recognised by the London Book of World Records as the “world’s largest free bus travel initiative benefiting women”.

Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah caught celebrating a fake world record by “London Book of World Record”!

After backlash, post deleted – but the damage is done.

Looks like Congress leaders are now patting their own backs with fake certificates 🧾pic.twitter.com/grxlFwaz9N

— Sanatan Prabhat (@SanatanPrabhat) October 20, 2025

Siddaramaiah stated that Karnataka had achieved “two historic global records”. According to him, under the Shakti Scheme, women have made a total of 564.10 crore free journeys, empowering their daily mobility. He further claimed that the Karnataka State Transport Corporation has won 464 national and international awards since 1997. The Chief Minister posted photos of both certificates on his X (Twitter) account. These certificates bear the signatures of Dr Avinash D Sakunde (International President, India – London Book of World Records) and Dr Ivan Gachina (European Union Head, Croatia).

However, opposition parties have dismissed the announcement as a mere publicity stunt, criticising the Congress government for reckless spending on free schemes. They alleged, “The four transport corporations in the State together carry a debt burden of ₹6,330 crore, and the financial crisis is deepening.”

What exactly is the ‘London Book of World Records’?

The London Book of World Records was a private company registered in the United Kingdom. It was officially dissolved on 15 July 2025. Avinash Dhananjay Sakunde was appointed its director on 28 June 2024. Since the organisation no longer exists, the certificates awarded to the Karnataka Government have become controversial and unreliable.

A BIG embarrassment for Congress.

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… pic.twitter.com/N0NPu3OUji

— Amit Malviya (@amitmalviya) October 17, 2025