New Delhi, Dec 1 (IANS) Home Minister P. Chidambaram Tuesday justified as “strictly in accordance with the constitution” the central government’s move to send a three-member team to West Bengal in the wake of recurring political violence in the state over the past few months.
The visit was strongly opposed by the Left and other opposition parties, including the Bharatiya Janata Party BJP, the Samajwadi Party and the Bahujan Samaj Party, leading to an uproar in the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha and a spate of adjournments Monday.

But Chidambaram said he had satisfied the opposition parties with his reply.

“I replied to them that the visit to West Bengal was strictly in accordance with the constitution. This visit was intended to help the state government to maintain law and order and put an end to inter-party clashes. They (opposition) were satisfied with my reply,” Chidambaram told reporters here.

He was presenting the monthly progress report of his ministry.

The home minister said the central government team has been asked to hold discussions with senior officers and chief secretary in Kolkata.

“The chief secretary West Bengal has indicated that they can visit a few districts,” Chidambaram said.

Chidambaram Monday said the visit was not to invoke president’s rule under Article 356 in the state.

The team, which reached Kolkata Monday evening, is led by additional home secretary (naxal management) D.R.S. Choudhary.