Shloka 2.46.31
तमसातीरवासः — Night on the Bank of the Tamasa and the Stratagem to Elude the Citizens
मोहनार्थं तु पौराणां सूतं रामोऽब्रवीद्वचः।उदङ्मुखः प्रयाहि त्वं रथमास्थाय सारथे।।2.46.30।।मुहूर्तं त्वरितं गत्वा निवर्तय रथं पुनः।यथा न विद्युः पौरा मां तथा कुरु समाहितः।।2.46.31।।
anuraktā hi manujā rājānaṃ bahubhir guṇaiḥ | tvāṃ ca māṃ ca naravyāghra śatrughna-bharatau tathā ||2.46.5||
O best of men, the people are indeed devoted—because of many virtues—to the king, to you, to me, and likewise to Bharata and Śatrughna.
With the intention of confusing the citizens, Rama said to the charioteer, O Sumantra, having seated in the chariot proceed speedly for a while in northerly direction and again turn back the chariot. Accomplish this feat in such a manner that the citizens will not know (where we have gone).
Dharma is linked to guṇa (virtue): legitimate authority and public loyalty arise from moral excellence rather than mere power.
As Rama departs, he reflects on how deeply the citizens are attached to the royal family.
Recognition of ethical leadership—Rama notes that devotion is earned through virtues.