London Book of Records defends recognition of Karnataka’s Shakti scheme and KSRTC

After a row over the ‘London Book of World Records’ recognition for Karnataka’s Shakti scheme and the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC), the London Book of Records issued a clarification defending its decision.

The London Book of World Records has issued a clarification in response to what it described as “defaming and tarnishing” reports published on social media platforms. On October 16, a social media post by Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah celebrating world record recognitions for the state’s Shakti Scheme and the KSRTC kicked off a row after opposition parties alleged that the certifying agency, the London Book of World Records, had been dissolved months earlier in the United Kingdom.

Following the backlash, the original post was deleted on October 17. By then, screenshots of the certificates and the X post had already gone viral.

In a release, the London Book of World Records stated that social media posts had created confusion regarding its registration and functioning. It clarified that the London Book of Records is a privately registered company under the Companies Act of 2006, with its registered office in England and Wales, and service offices in Pune and Delhi. The company, it said, was initially incorporated under Company No. 15807855 on June 28, 2024, at the Company House in Cardiff.

However, the release added that this company was dissolved on July 15, 2025, and subsequently re-registered under a new number (16667234) on August 22, 2025, with the same name and management. “There is no question of anything dubious, suspicious and issues of a dissolved company,” the statement read, while adding that all contact details are available on the official website.

The organisation defended its recognition of the KSRTC and Shakti scheme for empowering women. It described the initiative as a “testimony of exemplary achievement,” noting that the recognition was based on public service excellence and jointly certified by international chairman Avinash Sakunde and Ivan Gacina, European Union Head, Republic of Croatia.