Who Is Dinesh Khatik? UP Minister Who Called Hastinapur a ‘Cursed Land’ Clarifies His Remark

A political controversy has erupted in Meerut’s Hastinapur Assembly constituency after Uttar Pradesh Minister of State for Jal Shakti Dinesh Khatik remarked that the historic seat felt like a “cursed land” to him and announced that he would not contest elections from Hastinapur for a third time. The comment triggered sharp reactions across political circles, prompting the minister to issue a detailed clarification.

Political Storm Over Hastinapur Remark

Dinesh Khatik’s statement, made during a school function in the Kharkhoda area, quickly went viral on social media. While the remark generated enthusiasm among BJP aspirants eyeing the Hastinapur seat, opposition leaders accused the minister of insulting the sentiments of the people of the region.

Amid growing criticism, Khatik took to social media platform X to explain his position, asserting that his words had been taken out of context and that he holds Hastinapur in the highest reverence.

Who Is Dinesh Khatik?

Born on August 11, 1977, in Meerut, Dinesh Khatik hails from Phalawda town in the Mawana area. He comes from a family with long-standing ties to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and has himself been associated with the organisation. His brother, Nitin Khatik, has also served as a district panchayat member.

Khatik has been elected twice consecutively as MLA from Hastinapur.

• In 2017, he defeated BSP candidate Yogesh Verma by over 36,000 votes.
• In the 2022 Assembly elections, he again won from Hastinapur, defeating SP’s Yogesh Verma by 7,312 votes in a closely fought contest.

Following his second victory, he was inducted as Minister of State for Jal Shakti in the Yogi Adityanath-led government.

Opposition Hits Back

Former Hastinapur MLA Gopal Kali strongly objected to the “cursed land” remark, alleging that it hurt the sentiments of lakhs of residents. He questioned why Khatik contested elections twice from Hastinapur and facilitated his sister’s election as chairperson of the Hastinapur Nagar Panchayat if he truly believed the land was cursed.

Kali further alleged that fearing defeat in the next election, Khatik was now trying to distance himself from the constituency. He also accused the minister of failing to deliver expected development despite being backed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.

BJP Maintains Caution

Following Khatik’s indication that he may not contest again from Hastinapur, several BJP leaders reportedly began receiving congratulatory messages from supporters. However, party insiders cautioned against premature celebrations, noting that candidate selection ultimately rests with the party’s top leadership.

BJP district president Harveer Pal refrained from commenting directly, stating that Dinesh Khatik is a senior and respected leader and that his remarks might reflect a personal viewpoint.

Minister Issues Clarification

As the controversy escalated, Dinesh Khatik released a long clarification late Thursday night. He said his comment stemmed from a deeply emotional moment during a school programme where students staged a play depicting Draupadi’s disrobing in the court of Hastinapur during the Mahabharata era.

Khatik explained that, according to mythological belief, Draupadi had cursed the silent spectators of that court, which is why Hastinapur has historically been referred to as “cursed” in religious narratives. “My remark was in reference to that sin committed on this sacred land, not against the people of Hastinapur,” he said.

He stressed that Hastinapur remains his karmabhoomi (land of work) and that he has always served the constituency with dedication. “I have no intention of hurting anyone’s sentiments. My loyalty to this land and its people is unwavering,” he added.

Development Work in Hastinapur

Khatik also highlighted development initiatives undertaken during his tenure, including:

• Approval of ₹18 crore flood-control projects for the Khadar region,
• Establishment of a Government Girls’ Degree College,
• Development of the Shri Malipur Gaushala, and
• A long-term vision to develop Hastinapur on the lines of modern planned towns such as Chandigarh.

He credited the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for accelerating development in the region.

A Statement That Sparked a Debate

While the minister’s clarification has eased tensions among some supporters, the episode has reignited debate over the use of religious and historical references in contemporary politics. For now, Hastinapur remains at the center of political attention—caught between its ancient legacy and modern electoral dynamics.