Karna's Suggestion

After this enthusiastic speech, Duryodhana turned toward Karna. Karna was more mature than Duryodhana and did not allow his enmity toward the Pandavas to affect his arguments. 

"This is not so easy, my friend," said Karna to Duryodhana. "Your arguments lack substance, and your suggestions aren't even practical. You weren't able to harm them even when they were children; now they're much stronger. And Draupadi will never fall into your trap. Remember that when Draupadi decided to marry the Pandavas, she thought they were poor Brahmins, but now she knows that they are princes. Since she is the common wife of all five brothers, she will strive to keep them united. Drupada is not a greedy person, and he won't even think of severing ties with his sons-in-law. So none of your plans will work.

"There is only one way to get rid of the Pandavas: we must defeat them in war. War is a Kshatriya's dharma. Strength and skill are required to defeat an enemy. We must attack them at once, or else Krishna will come to their aid. Drupada will also try to help the Pandavas, but he doesn't stand a chance against us. Defeat him once, and he will never dare to oppose us again. We must act at once; this is the right opportunity. The Pandavas will forever be deprived of the throne of Hastinapura. Not only that, we will force the King of Panchala to submit to the rule of Hastinapura."

Dhritarashtra felt that Karna's suggestion was reasonable. He praised Karna for his intelligence but thought it wise to consult Bhishma, Dronacharya, Vidura, and Kripacharya before making any decision. He sent word to Vidura to call a meeting of the courtiers of Hastinapura. The meeting began under Bhishma's presidency.

Bhishma said slowly but firmly, "I cannot permit a war between cousins. The Pandavas and Kauravas are equally dear to me. My advice is to give the Pandavas half the kingdom; they have the same rights as Duryodhana."