Shloka 2.75.3
अयोध्याकाण्डे पञ्चसप्ततितमः सर्गः (Sarga 75: Bharata and Kausalya—Reproach, Oaths, and Reconciliation)
राज्यं न कामये जातु मन्त्रये नापि मातरम्।।2.75.2।।अभिषेकं न जानामि योऽभूद्राज्ञा समीक्षितः।विप्रकृष्टेह्यहं देशे शत्रुघ्नसहितोऽवसम्।।2.75.3।।
abhiṣekaṁ na jānāmi yo 'bhūd rājñā samīkṣitaḥ |
viprakṛṣṭe hy ahaṁ deśe śatrughnasahito 'vasam ||
I knew nothing of the abhiṣeka consecration that the king had arranged, for I was staying far away in another region together with Śatrughna.
Neither did I ever desire the kingdom nor did I ever consult my mother in this regard and I am not even aware of the consecration that was planned by the king for I was away in a distant country with Satrughna.
Truthful testimony (satya) is dharma: Bharata states clearly that he had no knowledge or role in the planned coronation events.
Bharata explains that he was away with Śatrughna and therefore uninvolved in the palace decisions that led to the crisis.
Candor and responsibility: Bharata refuses unearned power and clarifies facts to prevent false blame.