Saffron Illumination Begins
In a striking visual tribute to the impending change in governance, Kolkata's skyline began to glow with saffron light. The historic Writers' Buildings, slated to become the state secretariat post-renovation,
was a focal point, festooned with thousands of orange rice bulbs. This luminous display was a trial run on Friday evening, setting the stage for a grander spectacle on Saturday. The plan extended to approximately 48 significant public structures, including the Assembly House, Kolkata Collectorate, KMC headquarters, and Akashvani Bhavan, all set to be bathed in orange light from 5:30 PM onwards. This vibrant saffron theme contrasts with the blue-and-white palette adopted by many state government buildings after 2011, though certain heritage sites like Writers' and the Kolkata Collectorate had maintained their original red and off-white shades.
Writers' Buildings Buzzes
Inside the venerable Writers' Buildings, a flurry of activity was underway to prepare a temporary Chief Minister's Office. The newly appointed Chief Minister, Suvendu Adhikari, was expected to visit the building around noon on Saturday, following his oath-taking ceremony and a visit to Raj Bhavan. Workers were engaged in a race against time to complete the makeshift CMO on the second floor, as restoration work on the first floor, which previously housed the CMO, was still ongoing. This section of the building offers a vantage point overlooking Dalhousie Square. Following this symbolic visit, Adhikari was scheduled to operate from the Chief Minister's office at the Vidhan Sabha until the renovations at Writers' were fully completed.
Final Touches and Security
With precisely 24 hours before the Chief Minister's scheduled entry into the two-century-old Writers' Buildings, a powerful hub of administrative authority since the British Raj and a former seat of prominent leaders, finishing touches were being meticulously applied to the main block on the third floor. The site buzzed with workers installing partitions, electrical fittings, and climate control systems, including 40 misting fans and numerous high-capacity air conditioners. A prominent, tall chair, presumably for the Chief Minister, and other seating for cabinet members were also brought in. Security was a paramount concern, with senior police officials conducting thorough rounds of the floor and the entire Writers' complex on Friday to ensure a secure environment for the high-profile event. The Chief Minister might also address the press during his anticipated two-hour stay. Concurrently, the surrounding BBD Bag area saw ongoing road repairs and tree pruning in anticipation of the significant day.
