'Uncivilized', Kerala Congress' Cherian Philip criticized for 'forcefully hugging' newly elected Kollam MLA Bindu Krishna, video viral
(Kerala) Krishna appeared to extend her hand for a handshake, but Philip instead moved forward in an apparent attempt to forcefully hug her.
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On May 8th, a video from the headquarters of the Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee in Thiruvananthapuram went viral over the internet in which senior Congress leader Cherian Philip was seen attempting to forcefully hug newly elected Kollam (Kerala) MLA Bindu Krishna. The reluctance and discomfort on the face of the woman were evident, and that invited severe backlash from the netizens. (Kerala congress leader hug)
Several social media users questioned Philip’s conduct and accused him of disregarding personal boundaries. In the video, 48-year-old Bindu Krishna is seen arriving at the venue, greeting journalists, and walking towards the party office entrance. Wearing a white-and-yellow saree, she first shakes hands with a party worker before being approached by 71-year-old Cherian Philip. (Kerala congress leader hug)
The other user further commented on the video, saying the behaviour of the senior Congress leader was very uncivilized. Neither Cherian Philip nor Bindu Krishna had issued an official statement on the incident at the time of publishing this report. (Kerala congress leader hug)
Several social media users questioned Philip’s conduct and accused him of disregarding personal boundaries. In the video, 48-year-old Bindu Krishna is seen arriving at the venue, greeting journalists, and walking towards the party office entrance. Wearing a white-and-yellow saree, she first shakes hands with a party worker before being approached by 71-year-old Cherian Philip. (Kerala congress leader hug)
Krishna appeared to extend her hand for a handshake, but Philip instead moved forward in an apparent attempt to forcefully hug her. The footage shows him placing one arm around her neck while seemingly trying to lower her outstretched hand. (Kerala congress leader hug)
Cheriyan Philip, a Kerala Congress leader tried to forcefully hug Bindu Krishna a newly elected MLA, in full view of the cameras.
— Anand #IndianfromSouth (@Bharatiyan108) May 7, 2026
If he is this emboldened while all eyes are on him, I can't help wonder what he must be capable of, when nobody's watching.
Is this the Women… pic.twitter.com/POaRd3LcOl
Bindu Krishna appeared visibly uncomfortable and resisted the gesture, pushing him away. Even after she stepped back, Philip allegedly made another attempt to hug her before she folded her hands and walked away. The video also captured journalists and party workers nearby smiling during the interaction, a detail that drew additional criticism from social media users. (Kerala congress leader hug)
One of the users said if this is how senior leaders treat their party women in public, can't imagine how they treat them behind closed doors. Meanwhile, someone replied, saying this is what the culture of the party is.
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The other user further commented on the video, saying the behaviour of the senior Congress leader was very uncivilized. Neither Cherian Philip nor Bindu Krishna had issued an official statement on the incident at the time of publishing this report. (Kerala congress leader hug)