The Union Home Minister P Chidambaram reached the Maoist heartland of Lalgarh in West Midnapore this morning and reviewed anti-Naxal operations by the joint forces in Maoist-affected areas. This is the first visit by a central minister since the anti-Naxal operations started there in June, amid unprecedented security and a 24-hour bandh call by Maoist-backed tribals.<br/><br/>Mr. Chidamabaram, after arriving by a BSF helicopter from Kolkata was driven in a bullet-proof car to the Lalgarh police station, barely 100 metre away from the heavily guarded helipad. At the police station, Mr. Chidmabaram was closeted with top police and administrative officials for an hour.<br/><br/>The Home Minister last night met West Bengal Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee in Kolkata and was understood to have reviewed the situation in Maoist-hit areas, where the joint operations have achieved success in last few days, as also the future strategy.