Daijiworld Media Network - Thiruvananthapuram

Thiruvananthapuram, May 8: A video showing senior Congress leader Cherian Philip attempting to hug newly elected MLA Bindu Krishna despite her apparent discomfort has sparked widespread outrage on social media.

The incident reportedly took place shortly after the results of the 2026 Kerala Assembly elections were announced, when Bindu Krishna arrived at the Congress headquarters in Thiruvananthapuram to greet party leaders.

In the viral video, Bindu Krishna is seen exchanging formal handshakes with leaders present at the party office. However, when she approached Cherian Philip, he allegedly refused a formal handshake, held her hand and placed another hand on her back while attempting to pull her closer for a hug. The MLA appeared visibly uncomfortable, resisted the gesture and quickly moved ahead.

The clip soon went viral across social media platforms, drawing sharp criticism from political leaders and netizens, many of whom questioned the appropriateness of such behaviour in a public and professional setting.

Several users also circulated compilation videos online alleging that Philip had behaved similarly with women leaders on earlier occasions.

Delhi BJP spokesperson Ajay Sehrawat criticised the incident on X, writing: “Senior Congress leader Cherian Philip tried to forcibly hug Kollam MLA Bindu Krishna. Want to say something about this shameless behaviour?”

Another social media user accused the Congress of promoting an “anti-women culture” and demanded action against Philip.

Despite the controversy and growing backlash, neither Cherian Philip nor Bindu Krishna has issued an official statement on the matter so far.

Bindu Krishna won the Kollam Assembly seat by a margin of 16,830 votes. She is a senior Congress leader and has previously served as president of the Kerala Mahila Congress.