KOLKATA – Following a potential victory in the upcoming West Bengal elections, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is reportedly considering a significant administrative shift: relocating the Chief Minister's office from its current location in Nabanna, Howrah, back to the historically significant Writers' Buildings in Kolkata.
A Return to Tradition and Symbolism
The proposed move is laden with both symbolic and political weight. Writers' Buildings, constructed in 1777 to house clerks of the East India Company, served as the primary seat of the West Bengal government for decades until October 2013. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee initiated the shift to Nabanna two years after assuming power.
BJP leaders emphasize the importance of reconnecting with a sense of tradition. A party official was quoted stating that many in Bengal felt a sense of loss when the secretariat moved from the iconic complex. "It was a tradition to govern the state from this iconic complex. We want to connect with that sentiment," the leader explained, highlighting the desire to restore a perceived historical continuity.
Feasibility Concerns and Renovation Delays
Despite the BJP's clear intent, an immediate relocation may face practical challenges. Officials from the Public Works Department (PWD) have indicated that only Blocks 1 and 2 of Writers' Buildings could be made operational in the short term. However, these blocks currently house engineering offices that would require relocation, and they do not meet the stringent security protocols required for the Chief Minister's office.
The original office space within the main block remains under extensive renovation. PWD officials estimate that this area might not be ready for occupancy for at least another six months. Before its operations were shifted, Writers' Buildings housed 34 departments and approximately 6,000 employees across a built-up area of about 5.5 lakh square feet, functioning as a comprehensive administrative hub.
BJP's Consistent Stance
Samik Bhattacharya, the BJP's West Bengal President, reiterated the party's long-standing commitment to this move. "We have been saying since 2021 that we will run the government from Writers' Buildings," Bhattacharya stated, confirming that he had announced this position during the recent election campaign. He clarified that while the party's intention is firm, the final decision would ultimately rest with the new Chief Minister from their party.