In a surprising turn of events, Uttar Pradesh's Minister of State for Jal Shakti, Dinesh Khatik, has expressed a strong reluctance to contest the upcoming assembly elections from his current constituency, Hastinapur. The two-time MLA and minister has labeled the historic seat a "cursed constituency," citing ancient folklore and his own conscience as the primary reasons.
A Minister's Unusual Declaration
While addressing a gathering at the annual function of a private school in Bareilly, Khatik made his feelings public. He stated that after studying various scriptures, including the Puranas, his conscience was directing him not to seek a third term from Hastinapur. The minister specifically referred to the popular belief about a curse by Draupadi, the wife of the Pandavas from the epic Mahabharata, hanging over the land. He did, however, clarify that his statements were unofficial and that a final decision was yet to be made.
The Legend of the Curse
The folklore Khatik referenced stems from the Mahabharata. It is widely believed that after her humiliation in the dice game and the subsequent attempt to disrobe her in the royal court, Draupadi cursed Hastinapur. She vowed that the kingdom would never know lasting peace, as the elders and rulers had failed to protect her dignity. It is important to note that there is no direct reference to this specific curse in the major scriptures of the Mahabharata, but the belief persists strongly in local tradition and popular culture.
Defying Political Norms
Dinesh Khatik's political journey from Hastinapur is noteworthy because it defies a common local superstition. He has been elected as the MLA from the Hastinapur assembly constituency twice in a row and has served as a minister in both terms. This success runs contrary to the popular belief that no one returns to power from this supposedly cursed land. His recent comments, captured in a video that went viral on social media, have now cast doubt on whether he will attempt a hat-trick.
The minister's hesitation introduces an intriguing element of mythology into the practical world of electoral politics in Uttar Pradesh. It remains to be seen whether this reference to an ancient curse will influence his final candidacy decision and the political calculations for the Hastinapur seat in the future.
