A giant cutout of Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin collapsed and fell on an auto in Tiruvallur, triggering concerns over the continued use of unauthorized banners and placards at political events. The incident occurred ahead of a public meeting scheduled to be attended by Chief Minister M.K. Stalin.
It is alleged that instructions from the DMK leadership were sent prohibiting the placement of banners at party events, however, reports suggest that volunteers erected flagpoles and giant cutouts along the eight-kilometer route leading to the meeting venue in Tirupachur, Tiruvallur district. Strong winds caused one such towering cutout of Udhayanidhi Stalin to fall onto a passing auto. The driver reportedly escaped with minor injuries.
Janam TV reported that the auto had children riding in it.
அப்பனுக்கும் மவனுக்கும் சுபஸ்ரீ போல ஆயிரம் குழந்தைகள் செத்தாலும் விளம்பர வெறி மட்டும் குறையாது தான ? @Udhaystalin pic.twitter.com/IjIOzAtVmg
— Sanghi Prince 🚩 (@SanghiPrince) March 11, 2025
The incident has sparked renewed criticism, drawing parallels to the tragic 2019 death of Subhasree, a young woman who was killed when an AIADMK banner fell on her, causing her to be run over by a water tanker. That incident led to widespread outrage and court-ordered restrictions on the use of political banners in public spaces.
Despite these restrictions, political functionaries continue to defy orders, raising safety concerns.
(With inputs from OneIndia Tamil)
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