Shloka 2.9.3
मन्थराप्रेरणा—वरद्वय-स्मरणं च (Manthara’s Provocation and the Recalling of Two Boons)
इदं त्विदानीं सम्पश्य केनोपायेन मन्थरे।भरतः प्राप्नुयाद्राज्यं न तु रामः कथञ्चन।।।।
idaṃ tv idānīṃ sampaśya kenopāyena manthare | bharataḥ prāpnuyād rājyaṃ na tu rāmaḥ kathañcana ||
Now consider this, O Mantharā—by what means can Bharata obtain the kingdom, and not Rāma, by any means at all?
O Manthara! now see, for sure, Bharata and not Rama will get the kingdom by anymeans.
It exposes the ethical deviation where personal desire overrides fairness; dharma in kingship requires impartial succession norms, not intrigue driven by favoritism.
Having been provoked by Mantharā, Kaikeyī begins actively plotting to prevent Rāma’s coronation and secure the throne for Bharata.
A negative trait is foregrounded—jealousy/attachment—showing how lack of self-control undermines dharmic judgment.