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Sadashivanagar
Sadashivanagar
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Sadashivanagara is an affluent residential neighbourhood in the northwestern part of Bangalore in the Indian state of Karnataka. It is bounded by Malleshwaram to the west,Vyalikaval and Palace Guttahalli to the south, Palace grounds to the east and Hebbal to the north. The neighbourhood houses plush homes and mansions of several famous celebrities, businessmen and politicians. It is part of the Bangalore North Lok Sabha constituency and the Malleshwaram.

Key Information

History

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Sadashivanagara was created out of the former royal gardens, and is home to one of the original four towers built in 1597 by Kempe Gowda I, the founder of the city.

In the 1960s and early 1970s, the gardens of the Bangalore Palace (a summer home of the Wodeyar dynasty of Mysore) were converted into a residential neighborhood, and this was when the first lots in Sadashivanagara were purchased. Until the 1990s, Sadashivanagara was known as "Palace Orchards," as it was built in the former royal grounds. It was renamed in honor of Karnad Sadashiva Rao, a freedom fighter and philanthropist.

Even today, homes in the Raj Mahal Vilas Extension (built in the wing formerly known as Upper Palace Orchards) are situated right opposite what is left of the official palace grounds. Many highly placed government officials, ex-governors, film stars and millionaire businessmen have bought homes in the neighborhood. The neighborhood is also home to various Wodeyar royals.

Culture

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Along with the adjacent older, neighborhood of Malleswaram, the atmosphere in Sadashivanagara is Old Bangalore. The majority of the residents come from old families and try to preserve tradition and heritage.

Present boundary

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The Sadashivanagara area runs from Mehkri Circle in the north to Bashyam Circle a little way south. A less expensive area once known as Lower Palace Orchards spills over and partially surrounds the Bashyam Circle. Sadashivanagara borders the Sankey Tank, a midsized lake on the edge of which are several large homes. A trail runs along the circumference of the lake and is sometimes used by residents for exercise.

To reduce pollution of the natural water bodies, the Civic Authority has constructed an artificial tank for immersion of Ganesha during the famous Ganesha Chathurthi festival. There are also a few small parks in Sadashivanagara.

Notable residents

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References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia

Sadashivanagar is an affluent residential neighborhood in the northwestern part of Bengaluru, Karnataka, India, bounded by areas such as Malleshwaram and Armane Nagar. Developed from former royal gardens once known as Palace Orchards, the locality was renamed in the 1990s after Karnad Sadashiva Rao, a notable figure associated with the region. It features stately mansions and tree-lined avenues housing prominent industrialists, celebrities, and politicians, contributing to its reputation as one of Bengaluru's most expensive and elite areas. The neighborhood includes one of the four original watchtowers constructed in 1597 by Kempe Gowda I to demarcate the city's boundaries and is adjacent to landmarks like Sankey Tank and Palace Grounds.

Geography and Location

Boundaries and Extent

Sadashivanagar is a residential locality in the northwestern part of Bengaluru, bordered to the north by Hebbal, to the east by the grounds of the Bangalore Palace, to the south by Vyalikaval and Palace Guttahalli, and to the west by Malleshwaram. These boundaries encompass an affluent area known for its upscale housing and proximity to major landmarks, with the locality extending roughly from Mehkri Circle northward near Hebbal to Bashyam Circle and areas adjacent to southward. The extent of Sadashivanagar falls within the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) limits, primarily aligned with Ward 56 (Sadashivanagar) and adjacent wards in the West Zone, covering a compact urban footprint centered around coordinates approximately 13.01° N latitude and 77.58° E longitude. Neighboring localities such as Armane Nagar and Guttahalli further define its perimeter, contributing to a densely developed residential zone without formally delineated acreage in public records, though its prestige stems from these contiguous elite enclaves. The area shares the PIN code 560080, reflecting its integration into Bengaluru's northern postal and administrative framework.

Topography and Environment

Sadashivanagar lies on the Deccan Plateau within Bengaluru, at an elevation of approximately 940 meters above sea level, contributing to the region's moderate climate with average annual temperatures around 23°C and minimal extreme variations. The local terrain features gentle undulations typical of the Mysore Plateau, with relatively flat expanses that have supported residential and infrastructural expansion since the area's early development. The environment of Sadashivanagar includes significant , notably the adjacent , a 37.1-acre man-made built in 1882 to address following the 1874 , which aids in , flood control, and habitat provision for local in neighborhoods including Sadashivanagar. Despite these assets, the area contends with Bengaluru's broader ecological pressures, such as reduced vegetation cover from —dropping citywide from 68% in the 1970s to under 4% recently—and threats from infrastructure projects involving tree removal near the tank, which risk disrupting local ecosystems and exacerbating effects. Air quality remains challenged by vehicular emissions, though the locality's affluence has prompted community resistance to developments impacting green corridors. Periodic , as seen in 2024 when much of dried up, highlight vulnerabilities in water management amid and encroachment on water bodies.

History

Pre-Independence Origins

The territory now known as Sadashivanagar includes one of the four watchtowers erected in 1597 by , a feudatory of the , to demarcate the northern boundary of the emerging city of Bengaluru, which he had fortified earlier in 1537. This structure, constructed from granite, served as a sentinel point amid agrarian landscapes, reflecting the era's defensive amid threats from rival kingdoms. Under subsequent rulers, including the Wodeyar dynasty of —which gained control of Bengaluru following the decline of in the —the area evolved into royal gardens and orchards by the 19th century. These estates adjoined the Bangalore Palace, commissioned in 1878 by Maharaja Chamarajendra Wodeyar X and completed in phases through 1894, emulating Tudor-style architecture inspired by England's . The palace grounds, spanning extensive cultivated lands, functioned as private retreats for the princely family, supporting horticultural experiments and leisure amid the semi-arid . During British paramountcy over the after , the region retained its status as underdeveloped royal demesne, with limited civilian encroachment due to its proximity to and strategic northern positioning. Adjacent infrastructure, such as the reservoir constructed in 1882 by British engineer Colonel John Garrett Sankey to mitigate flooding and supply water, indirectly bordered these gardens without altering their core use as elite enclosures. Pre-independence records indicate sporadic elite residences, including that of Anusuya Sarabhai, a advocate active in the , highlighting the area's appeal to reformist figures within the princely domain. By 1947, the locale remained predominantly verdant and restricted, emblematic of Mysore's monarchical land stewardship rather than urban settlement.

Post-Independence Development

Following India's independence in 1947, the area now known as Sadashivanagar transitioned from its historical role as part of the Bangalore Palace orchards to structured urban residential use. In 1960, these former royal grounds were redeveloped into a dedicated colony, marking a deliberate post-independence effort to expand upscale living spaces amid Bangalore's growing administrative and industrial needs. The locality was officially named Sadashivanagar to honor (1881–1937), a Karnataka-born freedom fighter, lawyer, and philanthropist who supported Gandhi's campaigns and social reforms against and for women's education. This 1960s development emphasized low-density layouts with spacious bungalows on large plots, attracting high-income professionals, bureaucrats, and elites as Bangalore emerged as a hub for public sector enterprises like , established in the but expanding significantly post-1947. The neighborhood's proximity to key sites, including the Palace Grounds and , enhanced its appeal for secure, green residential living. Colloquially referred to as Palace Orchards into the 1990s despite the official renaming, the area solidified its status as an exclusive enclave, with property development restricted to maintain prestige and low-rise . By the late , Sadashivanagar's evolution aligned with Bangalore's broader economic surge, particularly the IT boom from the onward, which diversified its resident base to include tech executives and celebrities while driving property values to among the city's highest. The locality's high security, tree-lined streets, and limited commercial intrusion preserved its residential character, though incremental infrastructure upgrades—such as improved road links to central Bangalore—supported its integration into the metropolitan fabric without compromising exclusivity. Today, it exemplifies selective urban growth, prioritizing affluent housing over high-density expansion seen elsewhere in the city.

Demographics and Socioeconomics

Population Characteristics

Sadashivanagar, an affluent residential locality in Bengaluru, had an estimated of 17,763 residents as of 2020. This figure reflects its status as a high-density urban enclave spanning approximately 1.22 square kilometers, with a of 14,549 persons per square kilometer. The demographic composition includes 9,379 males and 8,384 females, resulting in a of approximately 894 females per 1,000 males, lower than the average of 916 reported in the 2011 . The neighborhood's population is predominantly urban and professional, drawn to its proximity to key landmarks such as and the Palace Grounds, fostering a resident base of leaders, bureaucrats, and affluent families. This socioeconomic profile underscores a concentration of high-net-worth individuals, with large independent homes and low-density villas characterizing much of the housing stock, though specific data on age distribution, rates, or occupational breakdowns at the locality level remain limited beyond city-wide benchmarks. Bengaluru's overall rate stood at 87.67% in 2011, with urban areas like Sadashivanagar likely exceeding this due to its educated, elite demographic. Detailed enumerations for sub-localities such as Sadashivanagar are not separately reported in official Indian data, which aggregates at broader or ward levels; locality-specific estimates derive from geospatial and municipal mapping platforms. The area's growth has been influenced by Bengaluru's broader urban expansion, but precise decadal growth rates for Sadashivanagar are unavailable, contrasting with the city's metropolitan increase from 8.4 million in 2011 to projected figures exceeding 14 million by 2025.

Economic Profile

Sadashivanagar maintains a predominantly residential economic character, with limited local commercial activity centered on essential retail services such as supermarkets, grocery stores, and departmental outlets that serve the upscale community. These establishments, including chains offering everyday goods, reflect the area's self-contained needs rather than broader industrial or service-sector hubs. Street vending persists modestly, featuring items like fresh fruits and snacks, though regulated to preserve the neighborhood's exclusivity. Property values serve as a key economic indicator, underscoring the locality's affluence, with average residential sale prices at approximately Rs. 30,813 per square foot and land rates ranging from Rs. 42,000 to Rs. 64,850 per square foot. This high valuation attracts high-net-worth residents, including business owners and professionals, contributing to sustained demand for premium housing amid Bengaluru's broader IT-driven growth. However, ongoing concerns over commercial encroachments into residential zones highlight tensions between economic pressures and zoning enforcement. The area's economy benefits indirectly from proximity to Bengaluru's tech and service sectors, with residents likely employed in high-skill roles elsewhere in the city, though locality-specific data remains sparse. Limited office and shop rentals indicate restrained non-residential development, prioritizing the preservation of its elite residential profile over expansive commercial expansion.

Culture and Community Life

Cultural Heritage

Sankey Tank, a key cultural and historical landmark in Sadashivanagar, was constructed in 1882 by Colonel Richard Hieram Sankey of the Madras Sappers Regiment to address Bangalore's water supply shortages during the late 19th century. Originally spanning 37 acres and linked to nearby Miller's Tank and Dharmambudhi Tank, it served as a vital reservoir amid famine risks in the 1870s, exemplifying British colonial engineering adapted to local hydrological needs. The site, previously known as Gandhadakoti Kere, retains its role as a public recreational space with walking paths, fostering community gatherings and reflecting the area's transition from utilitarian infrastructure to preserved urban green heritage. Religious sites contribute to Sadashivanagar's cultural fabric, including the Sadashivanagar Temple, a serene enclosure near local schools that evokes a forested ambiance conducive to quiet worship. The Shri Mahalakshmi Tayi Devasthana, dedicated to Goddess Mahalakshmi, stands as another focal point for devotees in the neighborhood, hosting rituals that blend traditional practices with community devotion. Additional temples, such as the Venkateshwara Temple, support ongoing Hindu observances, though these structures primarily date to modern residential development rather than ancient origins. The area's heritage emphasizes functional colonial legacies over monumental architecture, with Sankey Tank's maintenance efforts underscoring efforts to balance and historical preservation amid encroachment pressures. Local cultural life revolves around these sites, promoting ecological awareness and spiritual continuity in an affluent urban setting.

Social and Community Dynamics

Sadashivanagar maintains a community structure characterized by affluent, low-density residential living, where social interactions are facilitated primarily through organized residents' welfare associations and periodic events rather than spontaneous neighborhood gatherings. The area's demographic, including tycoons, politicians, and professionals, fosters a sense of exclusivity, with large bungalows and enhanced security contributing to relatively private lifestyles. This setup promotes focused on maintenance and quality-of-life issues, as evidenced by ongoing disputes over public spaces like the local , where residents have contested entry fees through legal channels since at least 2011, reflecting active but contested community governance. The Sadashivanagar Residents Welfare Association (SRWA) serves as the primary hub for collective action, addressing infrastructure concerns and hosting inclusive events to build cohesion. Annual activities include the Sadashivanagar Carnival, with its third edition scheduled for January 25, 2025, featuring family-oriented attractions from 4 PM to 9 PM. Similarly, Cycle Day events along Sankey Road, such as the 2016 iteration, blend modern pursuits like and with traditional elements including puppet storytelling and tonga rides, encouraging participation across age groups and promoting health amid the neighborhood's green avenues. Supplementary organizations, including cultural clubs and charitable trusts like Aaraike Charitable Trust, support sporadic social welfare initiatives, though the overall dynamics emphasize self-reliant, event-based solidarity over broad movements. This pattern aligns with the area's upscale profile, where community bonds are reinforced through targeted, resident-led efforts rather than pervasive daily interactions, sustaining a stable yet insular social fabric.

Infrastructure and Urban Development

Transportation and Connectivity

Sadashivanagar is well-connected by road networks, including arterial routes like Bellary Road (NH 44), which links the locality northward to , approximately 30 kilometers away, with a driving distance of 29.6 kilometers typically taking 28 minutes. CV Raman Road provides eastward access, while proximity to Mekhri Circle facilitates connections to Tumkur Road and other highways, though congestion on Bellary Road remains a noted challenge during peak hours. Public bus services operated by the Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) serve the area effectively, with multiple routes halting near key points such as Mekhri Circle (810 meters from central Sadashivanagar) and Srirampura (1.2 kilometers away), enabling travel to central hubs like . Airport-bound buses from nearby termini take about 1 hour 6 minutes and cost ₹210-₹240, offering a viable alternative to private vehicles. Namma Metro provides indirect access, as no station lies directly within Sadashivanagar; residents typically rely on short bus or auto-rickshaw rides to nearby Green Line stations like or Purple Line interchanges at Majestic (Kempegowda Station), approximately 5-7 kilometers south. Ongoing Phase 2B extensions toward the airport, including elevated sections along Bellary Road, are under construction and expected to improve future rail connectivity once operational. Rail links are supported by Junction, a major station about 6 kilometers west, handling intercity and suburban trains, while the locality's position aids quick access to Bengaluru City Railway Station via local roads. Auto-rickshaws and app-based cabs further enhance last-mile connectivity, though reliance on personal vehicles predominates due to the area's residential-upscale character.

Civic Amenities and Services

Civic amenities in Sadashivanagar are primarily managed by the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), which oversees local infrastructure, sanitation, and public spaces, while the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) handles water distribution and sewage, and Bangalore Electricity Supply Company Limited (BESCOM) provides electricity services. Water supply is facilitated through BWSSB connections, with a local center in Armane Nagar, Sadashivanagar, supporting residential and commercial needs across the area. Electricity distribution by BESCOM ensures reliable power, though occasional disruptions occur as in broader Bengaluru infrastructure challenges. Sanitation and waste management fall under BBMP, with initiatives promoting source segregation that have gained traction in Sadashivanagar since around 2013, contributing to reported high hygiene standards. Public recreational facilities include the BBMP Park in Sadashivanagar, featuring green spaces and play areas, and the prominent , a 37-acre man-made lake offering walking paths, , a , and a nursery for public use. Healthcare access is robust, with multi-specialty hospitals such as Hosmat Hospital Sadashivanagar providing orthopedic and general care, alongside facilities like HCG Cancer Centre and Hospital nearby. Educational institutions abound, including schools like Poornaprajna Education Centre and Stella Maris School, serving local residents. Roads and public infrastructure receive positive resident feedback for maintenance and accessibility.

Real Estate and Commercial Aspects

Property prices in Sadashivanagar have exhibited consistent appreciation, driven by its central , limited availability, and appeal to affluent buyers seeking proximity to Bangalore's commercial hubs and amenities. As of late 2025, average rates for residential properties stand at approximately ₹22,250 to ₹30,813 per , with ranges spanning ₹18,000 to ₹39,814 per across apartments, independent houses, and plots, varying by condition, size, and super built-up area calculations. For multistorey apartments specifically, quarterly averages hovered around ₹23,529 per in the October 2025 period, reflecting a slight stabilization after prior fluctuations. Year-over-year growth has averaged 7% to 12.55% in recent assessments, outpacing broader Bangalore trends of 5-7% amid infrastructure expansions and IT sector , while five-year cumulative appreciation reaches 35.3%. This upward trajectory is evidenced by high-value deals, including PES University's purchase of two 9,840 sites for ₹110 total in July 2025—one vacant plot at ₹55.5 and one with 5,575 built-up at ₹54.1 —highlighting premium land valuations exceeding ₹56,000 per in select cases. remains robust for larger units and plots, with listed properties often exceeding ₹13 , though new supply constraints from regulations temper volume growth.
PeriodAppreciation Rate
1 Year7-12.55%
3 Years~28%
5 Years35.3%

Commercial Encroachments and Regulations

Sadashivanagar, primarily zoned as a residential locality under the (BBMP) regulations, has experienced persistent commercial encroachments, including unauthorized shops, offices, and service establishments operating from residential properties. These violations contravene zonal norms outlined in the (BDA) Master Plan, which restrict commercial land use in residential areas without prior conversion approval under the Karnataka Town and Country Planning Act, 1961. As of , resident welfare associations (RWAs) estimated over 800 illegal commercial setups across Bangalore neighborhoods including Sadashivanagar, prompting coordinated efforts to petition BBMP for enforcement. Enforcement challenges persist due to delays in BBMP drives and influence from affluent property owners, with a 2010 BBMP anti-encroachment initiative in the area stalling despite initial commitments. In April 2024, residents highlighted escalating threats from commercial conversions, urging swift regulatory action to preserve the area's residential character amid rising violations like basement parking misuse for businesses. BBMP has conducted periodic zonal compliance checks, but specific removals in Sadashivanagar remain limited, often relying on resident complaints rather than proactive sweeps. Notable disputes include the 2019 Karnataka High Court order halting additional construction at Sadashivanagar Club, ruling that civic amenity sites permit limited non-commercial use and prohibit unauthorized buildings. In July 2024, BDA's lease of 969 square meters of land—known as the Sadashivanagar mini market—to a private developer for sparked protests, with residents arguing it breached residential without adequate . Work on the site was halted by locals in January 2025, citing missing permissions under Section 17 of the Town and Country Planning Act for . Regulatory frameworks emphasize prior approvals for any land-use shift, with BBMP empowered to seal or demolish non-compliant structures, though implementation varies. RWAs continue advocating for stricter monitoring, including fresh sanction plans for suspected violations, to align with bylaws that prioritize residential integrity over commercial expansion.

Notable Residents

Political and Public Figures

, who served as Chief Minister of Karnataka from 1999 to 2004 and as India's External Affairs Minister from 2009 to 2012, resided in Sadashivanagar for many years until his death at his home there on December 9, 2024, at the age of 92 due to age-related ailments. During his tenure as Chief Minister, Krishna prioritized urban infrastructure development in Bengaluru, including IT promotion that positioned the city as a global tech hub. D.K. Shivakumar, the current Deputy Chief Minister of Karnataka and president of the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee, maintains his primary residence in Sadashivanagar, where his home has been the site of political activities and official visits. Elected as MLA from Kanakapura constituency multiple times since 2004, Shivakumar has held portfolios including large-scale industries and revenue, influencing state-level decisions on urban development and agriculture. The locality derives its name from (1883–1934), a prominent freedom fighter and philanthropist who contributed to the through activities and social reforms, including donating properties for public welfare; though not a resident, his legacy is commemorated in the area's nomenclature. Other figures with ties include former MLA Venkatashiva Reddy, whose Sadashivanagar home was targeted in a 2016 yielding valuables worth approximately ₹50 lakh.

Business and Entertainment Personalities

V. G. Siddhartha, founder and managing director of the Café Coffee Day chain, resided in Sadashivanagar until his death by suicide on July 29, 2019. In the entertainment sector, Sadashivanagar has been home to members of the Rajkumar family, prominent figures in Kannada cinema. Dr. Rajkumar, a legendary actor and singer who starred in over 200 films and received the Dada Saheb Phalke Award in 1995, lived there during much of his career. His son Raghavendra Rajkumar, an actor and producer known for films like Chakravyuha (1996), continues to reside in the locality, as does another son, Shivarajkumar, a leading actor with over 100 films including Jana (2006). The late Puneeth Rajkumar, Shivarajkumar's brother and a popular actor in action films such as Power** (2014), maintained a residence at 249, 18th Cross Road until his death on October 29, 2021. Actor and director Upendra Rao, known for innovative films like A (1998) and Upendra (1999), relocated to a new home in Sadashivanagar with his family in April 2023, leaving behind a long-term residence in . The area's appeal to such figures stems from its proximity to central Bangalore and secure, spacious layouts, attracting celebrities seeking privacy amid high-profile careers.

Contemporary Issues and Developments

Redevelopment Initiatives

In 2024, the (BDA) announced plans to redevelop seven of its aging shopping complexes across Bengaluru into modern multi-level commercial hubs, including the mini market complex in Sadashivanagar, as part of a broader effort to revitalize civic amenities sites built decades ago. The initiative aimed to address dilapidated infrastructure by constructing larger facilities with ground-floor retail, upper-level parking, and additional amenities, with the Sadashivanagar site proposed for transformation into a space accommodating expanded shopping and possibly community features. The project faced significant local resistance, with Sadashivanagar residents, organized under the Sadashivanagar Residents Welfare Association, protesting against the scale of commercialization, arguing it would increase traffic congestion and alter the area's residential character. In July 2024, Malleswaram MLA C.N. Ashwath Narayan urged BDA to scrap the Sadashivanagar proposal, citing concerns over inadequate public consultation and potential overburdening of local infrastructure. Residents advocated for alternatives like a cultural center focused on community needs rather than expanded retail, emphasizing preservation of green spaces and low-density development. Construction attempts at the Sadashivanagar site were halted twice by residents in early , who revealed the absence of a sanctioned building from the (BBMP), highlighting procedural lapses in BDA's execution. Despite delays, BDA initiated groundwork at four complexes, including Sadashivanagar, by October , seven years after initial proposals, with tenders awarded for phased upgrades involving demolition and reconstruction to meet current seismic and safety standards. As of late , the project's progress in Sadashivanagar remains contentious, with ongoing demands for revised incorporating resident input to balance commercial viability and neighborhood livability.

Urban Challenges and Criticisms

Sadashivanagar, despite its status as an affluent residential enclave, grapples with severe , particularly along key arteries like Queen's Road and Bellary Road, where high vehicle density from nearby commercial activities and proximity leads to frequent jams during peak hours. Illegal conversion of residential properties into offices has exacerbated this, drawing outsiders for work and overwhelming local roads not designed for such influxes. Parking shortages are a persistent among residents, with streets often clogged by unauthorized and encroachments on footpaths by street vendors, reducing space and contributing to chaotic . The absence of metro rail connectivity further burdens road infrastructure, forcing reliance on private vehicles and autos, which intensifies bottlenecks at intersections. Water supply interruptions are frequent, mirroring broader Bengaluru shortages but acutely felt in high-rise apartments dependent on borewells amid depleting levels. Residents report inconsistent municipal supply from the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board, compounded by illegal extractions and inadequate enforcement. Infrastructure deficits include poorly maintained roads prone to potholes and insufficient street lighting, heightening safety risks at night. Air and from and ongoing constructions degrade living quality, with resident surveys noting elevated levels compared to planned norms. Criticisms extend to lax against unauthorized buildings, as evidenced by interventions halting club expansions in violation of . These issues stem from unplanned commercialization in a predominantly residential zone, undermining the area's elite appeal despite BBMP oversight.

References

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