Shloka 2.38.18
अयोध्याकाण्डे षट्त्रिंशः सर्गः — Daśaratha’s orders for Rama’s escort; Kaikeyi’s fear; the Asamañjasa precedent
तत्र वृद्धो महामात्रस्सिद्धार्थो नाम नामतः। शुचिर्बहुमतो राज्ञः कैकेयी मिदमब्रवीत्।।2.38.18।।
ye cainam upajīvanti ramate yaiś ca vīryataḥ | teṣāṃ bahuvidhaṃ dattvā tān apy atra niyojaya ||
Those who live dependent upon him, and those valiant youths with whom he once sported by virtue of his prowess—after granting them wealth of many kinds, appoint them here as well.
An aged minister named Siddhartha who justified his name, highly respected by the king said this to Kaikeyi:
It points to a pragmatic (and morally ambivalent) use of wealth to redirect loyalties; the dharmic question it raises is whether ends-driven political control can be justified over personal devotion and truth.
A minister advises Kaikeyī on managing the people devoted to Rāma—by incentives and reassignment—so they do not become an obstacle.
Strategic counsel and political calculation (nīti), rather than spiritual virtue; it showcases ministerial realpolitik.