The historic Writers’ Building in Kolkata lit up in saffron hues on Saturday as West Bengal witnessed a historic political transition with the swearing-in of its first-ever BJP government. The iconic colonial-era building, long regarded as the nerve centre of Bengal politics, became the symbol of a new political chapter in the state.
Senior BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari took oath as the new Chief Minister of West Bengal in a grand ceremony attended by Narendra Modi, governors, Union ministers, chief ministers from NDA-ruled states, and top party leaders.
Thousands of saffron-orange lights illuminated the majestic red façade of the Writers’ Building, while several other government structures across Kolkata, including the Assembly House and Akashvani Bhavan, were also decorated to mark the occasion.
The Historic Significance of Writers’ Building
The Writers’ Building is not just a government office; it is one of the most iconic symbols of Bengal’s political and administrative history.
Constructed in 1780 during British rule, the building originally served as the residence and office for junior clerks of the British East India Company, known as “writers.” Designed by architect Thomas Lyon, the building later evolved into the administrative headquarters of Bengal under the British Raj.
Located at the historic B.B.D. Bagh area, the structure remains one of the finest examples of colonial Greco-Roman architecture in India.
Architectural Grandeur of Writers’ Building
The Writers’ Building is famous for its:
- Distinctive red façade
- Massive Corinthian and Ionic columns
- Greco-Roman architectural style
- Long verandahs and grand corridors
- Statue of Minerva atop the central portico
Over the decades, the building expanded into a huge administrative complex consisting of 13 interconnected blocks. Despite multiple renovations and structural additions, its colonial charm and heritage identity remain intact.
The building stretches nearly 150 metres across the northern side of Lal Dighi in central Kolkata and has long been considered the administrative heart of Bengal.
Writers’ Building and India’s Freedom Struggle
The Writers’ Building also occupies a special place in India’s independence movement.
On December 8, 1930, three revolutionary freedom fighters:
- Benoy Basu
- Badal Gupta
- Dinesh Gupta
stormed into the building disguised in European attire and assassinated Colonel N.S. Simpson, the Inspector General of Prisons who was notorious for torturing Indian freedom fighters.
Following the attack, a fierce gun battle erupted inside the corridors of the building. Rather than surrender, the revolutionaries chose martyrdom.
In memory of their sacrifice, Dalhousie Square was later renamed:
B.B.D. Bagh
(Benoy–Badal–Dinesh Bagh)
A statue honouring the three martyrs still stands proudly outside the Writers’ Building.
From British Headquarters to Bengal’s Power Centre
After India gained independence in 1947, the Writers’ Building became the official secretariat of the Government of West Bengal.
Several prominent chief ministers operated from the building, including:
- Prafulla Chandra Ghosh
- Jyoti Basu
- Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee
For decades, the building remained synonymous with Bengal’s political administration, especially during the long Left Front era.
However, after coming to power in 2011, Mamata Banerjee shifted the state secretariat to:
Nabanna
This move was made due to the deteriorating condition of the heritage structure and the need for extensive renovation work.
Restoration and Return of Writers’ Building
The restoration of the Writers’ Building began in 2013 as part of a major heritage conservation project.
The renovation includes:
- Structural strengthening
- Heritage preservation
- Restoration of colonial architectural elements
- Modern administrative infrastructure
Even during renovation, the building has remained deeply connected to Bengal’s political identity.
The saffron illumination during the swearing-in ceremony symbolized not only the return of the Writers’ Building to the political spotlight but also the beginning of a new era in West Bengal politics.
Political Symbolism Behind the Saffron Illumination
The transformation of the iconic red building into saffron shades carried strong political symbolism.
For decades, the Writers’ Building represented:
- British colonial authority
- Congress-era governance
- Left Front dominance
- Trinamool Congress administration
Now, with the BJP forming its first government in West Bengal, the illuminated saffron façade reflected the state’s dramatic political shift.
Political observers described the event as both symbolic and historic, considering the deep-rooted political traditions associated with Bengal.
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