A video from the Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) headquarters in Thiruvananthapuram has gone viral after senior Congress leader Cherian Philip was seen attempting to hug newly elected Kollam MLA Bindu Krishna during a legislative party meeting, despite her apparent reluctance and discomfort.
The video of the incident, which took place in the presence of party leaders and journalists, has gone viral and sparked backlash against Congress and Cherian Philip.
The clip shows 48-year-old Bindu Krishna arriving at the venue and greeting members of the media before walking towards the party office entrance. Dressed in a white and yellow saree, she is first seen shaking hands with a party worker before being approached by 71-year-old Cherian Philip.
Bindu Krishna appeared to extend her hand for a handshake. However, Philip moved forward to hug her instead. In the video, he is seen placing one arm around her neck while trying to lower her outstretched hand.
Krishna appeared visibly uncomfortable and was seen resisting the gesture and pushing him away. Even after she stepped back, Philip allegedly appeared to make a second attempt to hug her before she folded her hands and walked ahead.
The video further shows several journalists and party workers present at the spot smiling during the interaction, a detail that has also drawn criticism online.
Social media users reacted strongly to the incident, with many accusing Philip of ignoring clear signs of discomfort. Several users said personal boundaries should be respected immediately once unwillingness is expressed, regardless of political seniority or public setting.
Some users described the act as inappropriate and demanded action against the senior leader.
One user wrote, “She is MLA? My god ,and this “Vulture” tries to eve teasing her and tries to hug and kiss.”
Another said, “Whatever the intention was, when a woman clearly steps away and pushes someone aside, that boundary should be respected immediately. Public life and political seniority are never excuses for unwanted physical contact.”
Another user criticised the incident sharply, calling the behaviour “shameless” and demanding disciplinary as well as police action.
Neither Cherian Philip nor Bindu Krishna had issued an official statement on the incident at the time of publishing this report.
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