Video | 'Will Priyanka Gandhi take action?': Congress leader Cherian Philip grabs woman MLA's hand, tries to forcefully hug her in public

Bindu won from Kollam by a margin of 16,830 votes. She is married to Krishna Kumar.

Shortly after the 2026 Kerala Assembly election results were announced and newly elected MLA Bindu Krishna walked into the Congress headquarters in Thiruvananthapuram, she greeted the party leaders gathered there. However, one particular moment during the interaction has sparked outrage online.

Congress leader Cherian Philip was seen attempting to hug Bindu Krishna despite her visible discomfort and resistance.

The awkward incident, caught on camera, showed Philip refusing a formal handshake, instead holding her hand and placing another hand on her back as he tried to embrace her publicly. The woman MLA appeared uncomfortable, resisted the gesture, and quickly moved ahead.

The video of the incident has since gone viral on social media, with many condemning Philip’s behaviour towards the woman politician.

The clip opens with Bindu Krishna entering the headquarters, smiling and greeting party members with polite handshakes. While other leaders welcomed her formally, Philip appeared to pull her closer in an attempt to hug her despite her reluctance.

The incident has triggered widespread backlash online, with many questioning the appropriateness of such behaviour in a public and professional setting. Slamming his behaviour, they raised questions on his way of treating woman. Netizens also demanded action against Philip over the incident.

Meanwhile, social media users also circulated a compilation video showing previous instances where Philip interacted similarly with women leaders.

From political leaders to netizens, many voiced strong reactions and criticised his conduct. However, even after the video gained widespread media attention, neither Philip nor Krishna has issued any statement on the matter so far.

"Senior Congress leader Cherian Philip tried to forcibly hug Kollam MLA Bindu Krishna. Want to say something about this shameless behaviour?" Delhi BJP spokesperson Ajay Sehrawat wrote on X.

"Congerss anti-women culture on full display here as senior Congress leader Cherian Philip tried to forcibly hug Kollam MLA Bindu Krishna. Will Priyanka Gandhi take action? Now you see why Congress opposes Naari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam. Kuch bologe (will you say something), Supriya Shrinate?" another user named Sameer said.

Bindu Krishna won from Kollam by a margin of 16,830 votes. She is a senior leader of the Indian National Congress and has previously served as the president of the Kerala Mahila Congress. She is married to Krishna Kumar.