A social media post by Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah celebrating two world records for the state has sparked controversy, with critics questioning the authenticity of the recognition. The Chief Minister had announced that Karnataka had entered the global stage with two historic achievements certified by the London Book of World Records — one for the Shakti Scheme marking 564.10 crore free bus rides availed by women, and another for the KSRTC as the most award-winning road transport corporation with 464 honours since 1997.
In his post, Siddaramaiah said these recognitions symbolised social justice, women’s empowerment, and inclusive governance. However, critics have claimed the awards are not internationally recognised and that the London Book of World Records is not a legitimate global institution. He wrote, “Karnataka enters the global stage with two historic world records – certified by the London Book of World Records. Shakti Scheme: Largest number of free bus rides availed by women – 564.10 crore journeys, empowering everyday mobility. KSRTC: Most award-winning road transport corporation in the world – 464 national & international honours since 1997. Our governance vision is rooted in social justice, women’s empowerment, and world-class public service. These recognitions are a reflection of what inclusive and compassionate policymaking can achieve.”
Karnataka enters the global stage with two historic world records – certified by the London Book of World Records.
Shakti Scheme: Largest number of free bus rides availed by women – 564.10 crore journeys, empowering everyday mobility.
KSRTC: Most award-winning road transport… pic.twitter.com/diKrLJKfpj
— Siddaramaiah (@siddaramaiah) October 16, 2025
Was It A Real Award?
What is interesting in the organisation’s website is that it lists several purchasable “award packages,” ranging from ₹4,000 to ₹10,000, with certificates, medals, trophies, and optional news video releases. The listings also specify that payments are accepted only through online banking, further raising questions about the legitimacy of the awards.
Critics also noted that the certificate wording reads “in Karnataka” rather than “in the world,” suggesting that the award’s claim to world-record status is misleading.
Fact-checkers and political opponents alleged that the company behind the awards was dissolved in the United Kingdom and now operates from India.
🚨How Congress Fools Public
Karnataka CM @siddaramaiah claims Karnataka Govt has got some prestigious “World Records”
Name of the Award is “London Book of Records”
Company has been dissolved in UK. Its corporate office is in India, phone number also of India.
What’s Hilarious… pic.twitter.com/HIrCJRgSej
— Ankur Singh (@iAnkurSingh) October 17, 2025
Reminds One Of The ‘UNESCO Award’ Claim for EVR
Observers have compared the Karnataka government’s “London Book of World Records” episode with an earlier controversy from Tamil Nadu surrounding the so-called “UNESCO Award” given to social reformer E.V. Ramasamy (Periyar). For decades, it was widely propagated in Tamil Nadu that Periyar was conferred the title “Socrates of South-East Asia” by UNESCO, a claim repeated in school textbooks and public service exam materials.
However, an official email clarification from UNESCO’s Delhi office confirmed that no such award or title was ever given to E.V. Ramasamy. The award was, in fact, presented by late DMK leader M. Karunanidhi in the presence of Dravidar Kazhagam president K. Veeramani, and not by UNESCO.
Critics pointed out that even the fabricated award title contained geographical inaccuracies, as India falls under South Asia and not the South-East Asia region referenced in the award.
Both allies – the DMK and the Congress have been building narratives around unverifiable or misleading accolades to bolster ideological or governance claims – the London Book of World Records recognition claimed by the Karnataka government and the UNESCO award myth associated with Periyar are perfect examples.
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