Defying jinx: Minister KM Shaji chooses 'unlucky' No. 13 state car

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Breaking away from long-standing political superstition, Local Self-Government Minister K. M. Shaji has officially claimed the state’s designated No. 13 official vehicle, which had previously been rejected by all other cabinet members in the V. D. Satheesan-led government.

Following the cabinet's swearing-in ceremony, Minister Shaji initially arrived at the Secretariat in the No. 9 car. However, that vehicle was subsequently reassigned to Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala. Rather than opting for another conventional choice, Shaji specifically requested the vacant No. 13 vehicle, which had been used by P. Prasad during the previous Pinarayi Vijayan administration.

The number 13 has traditionally been viewed with apprehension in Kerala’s political circles, with many associating it with bad luck. Skeptics frequently point to political history, noting that several ministers who previously accepted the No. 13 car suffered electoral defeats, were denied election tickets, or found themselves politically marginalized within their respective parties. By voluntarily choosing the vehicle, Shaji delivers a subtle but firm statement against these deep-seated superstitions.