Newly elected Kollam MLA Bindu Krishna pushed away Congress leader Cherian Philip after he attempted to forcibly hug her upon her arrival at a legislative party meeting in Thiruvananthapuram on Monday. Video footage shows Krishna, dressed in a white and yellow saree, extending her hand for a handshake before Philip moved in to embrace her; she stepped back and folded her hands in refusal.

The incident occurred outside the Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) office as Krishna interacted with media and approached the meeting venue. Multiple party members were present but did not intervene. The video circulated widely on social media, prompting criticism of Philip's actions and broader discussion about personal space and conduct among public figures.

As of Tuesday, neither the Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee, Cherian Philip, nor Bindu Krishna has issued an official statement. The Congress party faces public scrutiny over its silence amid growing online backlash, with users condemning the breach of personal boundaries.

The event unfolded during the United Democratic Front's (UDF) transition into power following its victory in the Kerala Assembly elections, in which the Congress won 63 of 140 seats. The UDF's return ends a decade of Left Democratic Front rule.

The KPCC is expected to address internal conduct protocols at its next meeting, scheduled for Thursday, where leadership dynamics and party discipline may be reviewed.