A major mishap was narrowly averted at a grand DMK public meeting held in Mayiladuthurai on May 4, organized to mark Chief Minister M.K. Stalin’s birthday, celebrate the legal victory of the state government, and explain the state budget. The event, presided over by District Secretary and MLA Nivedha Murugan, saw the participation of senior DMK leader and former Union Minister A. Raja, along with Minister for Backward Classes Welfare S.S. Sivasankar Meyyanathan. While MP A. Raja was delivering his speech on stage, strong winds began to blow, causing concern among attendees, especially women, some of whom started leaving. Suddenly, a decorative electric pole installed near the stage collapsed and fell directly onto the microphone A. Raja was using. Sensing the danger just in time, A. Raja swiftly stepped aside, narrowly escaping injury. His quick reaction left fellow leaders, including Minister Meyyanathan and district officials, visibly shocked. As the strong winds continued, banners set up for the event were torn and flew away, and chairs were seen tumbling across the grounds. In light of the weather conditions, organizers promptly ended the meeting and urged everyone to leave safely. Following this, both A. Raja and Minister Meyyanathan exited the stage safely. Soon after, heavy rain began to pour, leaving the venue deserted. The dramatic video of the electric pole crashing down while A. Raja was speaking has since gone viral on social media,