A video from the headquarters of the Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee in Thiruvananthapuram has gone viral on social media after senior Congress leader Cherian Philip was seen attempting to hug newly elected Kollam MLA Bindu Krishna during a legislative party meeting, despite visible signs of reluctance and discomfort from the woman leader. The incident, which reportedly occurred in the presence of journalists, party workers, and senior political leaders, has sparked sharp criticism online and triggered a debate around personal boundaries and conduct in public life.
The viral clip shows 48-year-old Bindu Krishna arriving at the party office venue ahead of the meeting and greeting members of the media gathered outside the building. Dressed in a white and yellow saree, she was first seen interacting normally with people around her and shaking hands with a party worker near the entrance of the office. Moments later, 71-year-old Cherian Philip approached her as cameras continued recording the interactions taking place outside the venue.
According to the visuals circulating online, Bindu Krishna appeared to extend her hand towards Philip for a formal handshake. However, instead of responding with a handshake, Philip allegedly moved closer in an attempt to hug her. In the video, he can be seen placing one arm around her neck area while simultaneously trying to lower or move aside her outstretched hand. The moment quickly drew attention because Krishna appeared visibly uncomfortable with the gesture and attempted to resist the embrace.
The video further shows Bindu Krishna stepping back and trying to push Philip away as he allegedly continued attempting physical contact. Even after she appeared to pull away from the interaction, Philip was seen allegedly trying once again to move closer towards her before she folded her hands and walked ahead into the party office. The visuals have since been widely shared across social media platforms, where many users criticised the senior leader’s behaviour and expressed concern over what they described as a disregard for clear signs of discomfort.
Another aspect of the video that drew criticism online was the reaction of several journalists and party workers standing nearby during the interaction. Social media users pointed out that some people present at the location appeared to smile or laugh while the incident unfolded, which many online commentators described as insensitive given the visible discomfort shown by the MLA in the video.
The incident quickly triggered strong reactions across social media platforms, with many users accusing Cherian Philip of ignoring personal boundaries despite clear attempts by Bindu Krishna to avoid the hug. Several users argued that consent and comfort must be respected immediately, regardless of a person’s age, political seniority, or public stature.
One social media user criticised the incident sharply and questioned how such behaviour could occur publicly despite the MLA’s visible discomfort. Another user stated that regardless of what the intention may have been, once a woman clearly steps away or pushes someone aside, the interaction should stop immediately. Several others called the behaviour inappropriate and demanded disciplinary action as well as possible police intervention.
The controversy has placed the Congress party under criticism online, with many people debating broader issues surrounding workplace behaviour, political culture, and respect for personal space in public and professional settings. The incident has also renewed conversations about how women politicians continue to face uncomfortable situations even within formal political spaces.
At the time this report was published, neither Cherian Philip nor Bindu Krishna had issued any official statement regarding the viral video or the controversy surrounding the incident.
