Congress Leader Cheriyan Philip Faces Backlash After Attempting to Hug MLA-Elect Bindu Krishna Against Her Wishes

Thiruvananthapuram: A video circulating widely on social media has drawn sharp criticism against senior Congress leader Cheriyan Philip after he was seen attempting to hug MLA-elect Bindu Krishna outside Indira Bhavan, where the Congress legislature party meeting was being held.

As Bindu Krishna arrived for the meeting, Cheriyan Philip attempted to hug her. When she moved away to avoid it, he attempted again. She then firmly pushed him away, greeted him, and walked on.

The incident has triggered widespread criticism on social media, with users pointing out that Cheriyan Philip failed to observe basic standards of conduct in a public setting, and that persisting with the attempt after she had clearly indicated her unwillingness was unacceptable behaviour.