CHENNAI: DMK MP A Raja narrowly escaped injury on Sunday when a focus light pole in front of the podium collapsed due to gusty winds. The incident occurred during a party event in Mayiladuthurai while Raja was delivering a speech.

Sources said the MP had been speaking for about 15 minutes when the incident took place.
In a video that has since gone viral, Raja is seen turning away from the podium at the last moment, just before the light pole mounted on a steel rod came crashing down onto the microphone.
Following the mishap, Raja and other leaders immediately left the stage, calling off the meeting.
Heavy rain followed shortly after, tearing down banners and sending chairs flying.
The event was led by district secretary and MLA Nivedha Murugan, with senior DMK leaders, including Minister for Backward Classes Welfare Siva Meyyanathan, also in attendance.
Several areas in the central region, including Trichy, experienced heavy rain and strong winds on Sunday.