No, MK Stalin’s wife does not own ‘world’s largest silver wardrobe’

What's the claim?

A video showing Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin's wife, Durga Stalin, standing beside a silver wardrobe is circulating widely on social media with a claim that she owns it, insinuating that it was made using "illegal wealth." The 35-second viral clip includes scenes of Durga presenting a certificate to someone, followed by close-ups of the cupboard.

On X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook, the video was shared with Telugu captions translating to: "Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Stalin's wife got herself a silver almirah made. This is what this generation's regional parties (family parties) do with their illegal wealth."

Screenshots of claims shared online. (Source: X/Facebook/Modified by Logically Facts)

Archives of posts can be found here, here, here, and here. This narrative was also shared on WhatsApp.

Screenshots of claims shared on WhatsApp. (Source: X/Facebook/Modified by Logically Facts)

However, the silver wardrobe featured in the viral video was crafted by a jewellery store called Sukra Jewellery in Tamil Nadu to celebrate over 40 years in the industry. It is not for sale and was only unveiled by Durga Stalin on October 22, 2024.

What did we find?

A reverse image search led us to a DT Next news report, which carried a photo similar to the viral video, where Stalin is seen presenting a certificate. According to the report, the silver piece is a Guinness World Record-winning wardrobe created by Sukra Jewellery in Chennai, not a personal item that Durga owns.

Screenshot of the news report by DT Next. (Source: DT Next)

The report added that Sukra Jewellery designed this seven-foot-tall, three-foot-wide wardrobe, crafted from 92.5 percent silver, to celebrate over 40 years in the industry.

NBA 24x7 and other Tamil media outlets (archived here and here) also reported on the event, sharing YouTube videos with visuals that match scenes in the viral video.

Furthermore, a post (archived here) on Sukra Jewellery's official Instagram account confirmed this information, showing Stalin presenting the Guinness certificate to CEO and Head of Design Nithin Kalkiraju during the unveiling event on October 22, 2024. 

Screenshot from Sukra Jewellery's official Instagram post. (Source: Instagram)

The Guinness World Records website lists Sukra Jewellery as the record holder for the world's largest silver wardrobe, noting that every component, including screws, nails, and hinges, is made from silver. The wardrobe is now displayed at Sukra Jewellery's showroom in Chennai.

Screenshot of the record from the Guinness World Records website. (Source: Guinness World Records)

Logically Facts contacted Sukra Jewellery's Founder and Chairman, Kalkiraju, who said, "No, Durga Stalin does not own the silver wardrobe." He added that the jewellery store holds a Guinness World Record, and the establishment remains open to the public, with the silver wardrobe not being up for sale. 

He also noted that when Durga visited the showroom, the news was widely covered by various media outlets, including Sun TV and other channels. He also stated that this achievement marks their third record.

The verdict

Sukra Jewellery created the silver wardrobe featured in the viral clip in Tamil Nadu and holds the Guinness World Record for making the largest silver wardrobe in the world. It was unveiled by Durga Stalin, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin's wife, on October 22, 2024. However, a video from the event has been inaccurately shared, claiming that Durga Stalin commissioned the wardrobe for her personal use