A video from the headquarters of the Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) in Thiruvananthapuram has triggered a wave of discussion online after a brief interaction between senior Congress leader Cherian Philip and newly elected Bindu Krishna was captured on camera and widely shared on social media.
The incident reportedly took place during a legislative party meeting at the KPCC office. The viral clip shows Bindu Krishna arriving at the venue and greeting journalists waiting outside the party headquarters. Dressed in a white and yellow saree, the 48-year-old MLA paused briefly to acknowledge the media before heading toward the entrance.
As she moved forward, she greeted a party worker with a handshake. Moments later, 71-year-old Cherian Philip approached her.
According to the video, Krishna appeared to extend her hand for a handshake. However, Philip stepped closer and seemed to attempt a hug instead. In the clip, he is seen placing one arm around her neck while lowering her extended hand.
Krishna appeared visibly uncomfortable during the moment and tried to step back. She can be seen resisting the gesture and pushing him away as she attempted to maintain distance.
Even after she moved back, the video suggests that Philip appeared to move forward again as if trying for another hug. At that point, Krishna folded her hands politely in greeting and walked ahead toward the office entrance, ending the interaction.
The moment happened in full view of journalists and party workers present outside the office. Some people in the background were seen smiling during the interaction — a detail that has also drawn criticism online after the clip began circulating widely.
The video quickly spread across social media platforms, prompting strong reactions from users. Many people criticized the senior leader’s behavior and argued that personal boundaries should be respected immediately when someone appears uncomfortable.
Several users wrote that gestures of greeting should always remain respectful and consensual, especially in professional or public settings. Others pointed out that positions of seniority in politics should come with a greater responsibility to maintain appropriate conduct.
Some social media posts have also demanded that the party take note of the incident and clarify its position.
So far, neither Cherian Philip nor Bindu Krishna has released an official statement regarding the viral video. The Indian National Congress leadership in Kerala has also not commented publicly on the matter.
As the video continues to circulate online, the brief interaction has sparked a broader conversation about personal space, consent, and professional behavior in political environments. For many observers, the incident reflects how quickly moments captured on camera can become the center of public debate in the age of social media.