The Struggle for Succession

After he finished telling this story to Dhritarashtra, Kanika said, "You are a king; you have great resources at your disposal. But the Pandavas are warriors. Make sure you protect yourself from them. Try to safeguard your and your children's interests from the Pandavas. Plan carefully right from the beginning, so that you don't repent later."

The men and women of Hastinapura were impressed by the Pandavas' behavior and openly praised their virtues. They regarded Yudhishthira as the most qualified heir to the throne. Many felt that, since Dhritarashtra hadn't initially been crowned king on account of his blindness, he shouldn't be allowed to rule any longer. A strong alternative was Bhishma, who was honest and upstanding, but he was bound by his oath. So the only option was the eldest Pandava.

The citizens loved Yudhishthira and wanted him to be coronated. He was young, virtuous, and popular. However, when Duryodhana learned that the people wished to enthrone Yudhishthira, he was distressed. Filled with jealousy, he went straight to King Dhritarashtra and said, "Father, the citizens have set you and Grandsire Bhishma aside and have vowed to crown Yudhishthira king. Grandsire Bhishma is bound by his pledge and will therefore support them. 

"Even earlier, you were deprived of the throne because you were blind, and Uncle Pandu was crowned king. You, me, and our future descendants will always remain lower in the lineage. We will never obtain the throne. If Yudhishthira is made Pandu's successor, his descendants will inherit the throne in the future. The citizens want to give us a tough time. If power were completely in your hands, I would be your successor, regardless of whether the citizens were on my side."

Duryodhana was supported by three confidants—Shakuni, Karna, and Dushasana—who incited him to plot against the Pandavas whenever they got the chance. After entrapping the Emperor in a net of emotions, Duryodhana consulted with his three confidants, who always echoed his ideas. Together, the four hatched a diabolical conspiracy—to murder the Pandavas by burning them alive.