IUML Minister Confronts Triskaidekaphobia as a ‘Baby’ Minister Challenges a Cursed Bungalow

After 48 hours of being unassigned, the Kerala government’s car number 13 has found a driver. Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) leader and Local Self-Government Minister KM Shaji is the first Congress-led UDF minister to take this vehicle, traditionally avoided by Kerala ministers due to the superstition surrounding the number 13, known as Triskaidekaphobia.

Initially, Shaji was given car no. 9 after his swearing-in on May 19. However, Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala expressed a desire for this number, prompting its reassignment to him. Consequently, Shaji accepted No. 13 on May 21.

“I inquired about which numbers were available. They listed a few, and I noticed number 13 sitting there like an abandoned item, so I chose it. Life has its misfortunes. Does that mean they’re caused by number 13? Many endure pain, illness, and struggles—does that stem from choosing 13? Absolutely not. I don’t subscribe to such beliefs,” Shaji stated to the media.
However, a video surfaced shortly after his swearing-in on May 19, showing someone close to Minister Shaji shouting, ‘Shajikka, don’t take No. 9,’ as his car was being prepared.

CPI(M) General Secretary MA Baby was the first minister to use the number while part of the VS Achuthanandan Cabinet (2006-2011). He had to recall a file to reclaim it, as it had been officially discarded by government order. Yet, in the subsequent Oommen Chandy-led UDF government (2011–2016), no minister dared to adopt car number 13.

During the Pinarayi Vijayan government 1.0 (2016–2021), finance minister Thomas Isaac utilized car number 13. In the Pinarayi Vijayan government 2.0 (2021-26), CPI leader and agriculture minister P Prasad took on the number, volunteering after another minister encountered issues with it.

Meanwhile, the youngest member of the cabinet, OJ Jeneesh, also president of the state Youth Congress, opted for Manmohan Bungalow, a location thought to be unlucky, as many residents have failed to return to the Assembly after their terms.

“I had two options for my residence, including this one. I favored this house since it was once home to the late Congress leader K Karunakaran. I see no problem with the house,” Jeneesh told News18.com. His entry into the cabinet at 37 is considered a surprise, marking his first term as a legislator.

Interestingly, Jeneesh had a real shock when he received his official car, No. 10, as its registration number matched his victory margin of 8308.