Bengaluru: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s recent social media post celebrating the state’s ‘Shakti Scheme’ for achieving a “world record” has stirred controversy after reports revealed that the certifying agency, the London Book of World Records (LBWR), was dissolved months earlier. The certificates, shared by the Chief Minister on social media, claimed global recognition for providing the highest number of free bus rides to women under the scheme.

Certificates under scrutiny

The certificates, purportedly issued by LBWR, claimed that the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) facilitated over 564.10 crore free rides for women since the scheme’s launch in June 2023. Another certificate mentioned that KSRTC had received “464 national and international awards since 1997,” praising its efficiency and social commitment.

However, soon after Siddaramaiah’s post, several users pointed out discrepancies in the documents. The London Book of World Records was reportedly dissolved on July 15, 2025, according to the UK’s Companies House registry. This raised doubts about how the organisation could have issued certificates months after its closure.

Social media backlash

Social media platforms were flooded with posts mocking the spelling and formatting errors on the certificates. Words such as “Recoginzed” and inconsistent usage of fonts were highlighted by critics as indicators of forgery. Political opponents, particularly from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), accused the Congress-led government of spreading misinformation and attempting to “manufacture recognition” to boost its image.

BJP leaders shared screenshots of the certificates, calling them “fake and laughable.” Former ministers and party functionaries demanded clarification from the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) about the authenticity of the awards.

Congress yet to clarify

The Chief Minister’s original post, which praised the scheme as a model of women’s empowerment and public welfare, remained online for over 24 hours before being deleted. As of now, no official clarification has been issued by Siddaramaiah or his office.

Meanwhile, Congress supporters defended the CM, arguing that the focus should remain on the Shakti Scheme’s achievements rather than the credentials of an external certifying agency. They highlighted that the scheme has indeed benefited millions of women across the state, saving families significant transport expenses.

Shakti scheme’s real impact

Launched in June 2023, the Shakti Scheme offers free bus travel for women in state-run transport buses, covering nearly all districts in Karnataka. Government data suggests that over 500 crore rides have been availed so far, making it one of the most popular welfare initiatives under the Congress government.

Despite the controversy, the scheme continues to be operational and widely appreciated among women commuters. However, the recent episode has raised questions about the government’s communication standards and the need for better verification before publicising such recognitions.

Conclusion

While the Shakti Scheme remains a landmark social welfare initiative, the “world record” controversy underscores the importance of verifying the credibility of external endorsements. As opposition criticism grows louder, the government may be compelled to issue an official statement to clear the air and prevent misinformation from overshadowing the scheme’s genuine success.