In the passage, choose the correct word to complete the clause let us ask ___________ such an appellation: let us ask ___________ such an appellation, assuming it has only positive connotations, was ever deserved in a city like Bengaluru.

Introduction / Context:
This cloze passage question focuses on the use of conjunctions that introduce indirect questions in formal English. The specific phrase is let us ask ___________ such an appellation was ever deserved. In such constructions, the conjunction whether is commonly used to introduce a yes or no type indirect question, especially in thoughtful or academic writing. The passage itself examines whether a flattering label for Bengaluru is justified, so precise conjunction choice is important.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Clause: let us ask ___________ such an appellation, assuming it has only positive connotations, was ever deserved.
• Options: whether, if, even if, in case.
• The sentence is part of a reflective argument, not a conditional warning.
• The blank introduces an indirect yes or no question embedded in a longer sentence.

Concept / Approach:
In indirect questions about a possibility or truth value, formal English prefers whether to if. The pattern let us ask whether such an appellation was ever deserved sounds natural and typical of editorial style. If can also introduce indirect questions in everyday speech, but in high level written English, whether is more accurate and elegant. Even if and in case express different logical relations. Even if introduces a concessive idea, and in case introduces a precaution or hypothetical condition. Neither of those fits the logical structure of simply asking a question about suitability of an appellation.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Identify the type of clause following the blank; it is an indirect question about the truth of a statement. Step 2: Recall that whether is the standard conjunction for such indirect yes or no questions in formal writing. Step 3: Test option a, whether, in the sentence: let us ask whether such an appellation was ever deserved. This reads smoothly. Step 4: Test option b, if: let us ask if such an appellation was ever deserved. This is understandable but slightly less formal. Step 5: Test option c, even if: this would mean despite the possibility that such an appellation was deserved, which changes the structure entirely. Step 6: Test option d, in case: this introduces a precaution, which does not match the idea of questioning the suitability of an appellation. Step 7: Conclude that whether is the most appropriate and stylistically correct choice.

Verification / Alternative check:
Consider similar structures: We must examine whether the policy has achieved its goals or The committee will decide whether the festival will continue next year. In each case, whether introduces an indirect question about the truth or future course of events. Replacing whether with in case or even if would distort the meaning. The sentence in the passage functions in the same way and thus demands whether as its conjunction.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
if: Grammatically possible in spoken English, but less precise than whether in formal argumentative writing of this kind.
even if: Introduces a concessive idea and would imply Even if such an appellation was deserved, which is not what the writer intends to say at this point.

in case: Used to speak about precautions or measures taken because something might happen, which does not fit here.

Common Pitfalls:
Many learners overuse if because it is very frequent in everyday speech, and they forget that whether is preferred in formal contexts for indirect questions. Another common error is to ignore the overall argumentative style of the passage and treat the blank as if it were part of a conditional sentence. To avoid such mistakes, candidates should pay attention to how editorial writers phrase doubts and questions, especially noticing repeated patterns like whether such claims are justified or whether this trend will continue.

Final Answer:
The correct conjunction is whether, so option a is correct.