Shloka 4.18.7
वाली–रामसंवादः (Rama’s Justification to Vali on Rājadharma)
तां पालयति धर्मात्मा भरतस्सत्यवागृजुः।धर्मकामार्थतत्त्वज्ञो निग्रहानुग्रहे रतः।।
tāṃ pālayati dharmātmā bharataḥ satyavāg ṛjuḥ | dharmakāmārthatattvajño nigrahānugrahe rataḥ ||
That land is ruled by Bharata—righteous by nature, truthful in speech, upright—who knows the principles of dharma, kāma, and artha, and is devoted to both punishment and favor, as justice requires.
'Bharata, righteous, truthful, upright, knower of dharma, artha and kama and dispenser of punishment and rewards, rules this earth.
Rajadharma: a ruler must uphold dharma through truthful, upright governance, balancing punishment and reward to protect social order.
In the Kishkindhā episode, Vāli refers to Bharata’s righteous rule over the earth while addressing Rāma in their ethical debate.
Bharata’s virtues—truthfulness, uprightness, and discernment in administering justice—are highlighted.