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Bengal's iconic Writers’ Buildings set to return as a secretariat
Writers’ Buildings in Kolkata, a 246-year-old landmark, fell dormant in 2013 after the state secretariat moved to Howrah. By May 2026 revival activities were underway, and BJP indicated on May 5 that it would govern from the building, signaling a potential return of the secretariat.
Why It Matters
The building symbolically represents the seat of state power; its revival could indicate a shift in governance location following elections.
Timeline
3 Events
Writers’ Buildings revival underway; set to return as secretariat
May 9, 2026
The article reports that revival activities have started in the past few days, with Writers’ Buildings coming back to life as part of the discussion about returning the secretariat to the landmark.
BJP pledge to govern from Writers’ Buildings announced
May 5, 2026
BJP state president Samik Bhattacharya stated on May 5, 2026, that the party would run the government from Writers’ Buildings, a day after the election results.
Dormancy begins after secretariat shifts to Howrah
2013
The Writers’ Buildings, a 246-year-old red landmark in Kolkata, went dormant in 2013 when the Trinamool Congress government led by Mamata Banerjee shifted the state secretariat to a 14-storey building in Howrah across the River Hooghly.