CM Mamata Banerjee (PTI image)

NEW DELHI: West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday alleged that the BJP-led Union government has “sold the prestige” of India to foreign powers. She claimed that the Centre is at times “begging before the United States, and at times before China.“Speaking in the state assembly during a discussion on a resolution concerning attacks on Bengali migrants in other states, Banerjee alleged that the BJP has a “dictatorial mindset” and aims to “turn West Bengal into its colony.”A ruckus broke out in the state assembly just as Banerjee began addressing the resolution.She said, “The BJP has sold India’s prestige before foreign powers. At times, the Centre is begging before China, and at times, before the US. They cannot run the country or secure the nation’s interests, yet they dare to lecture us.”West Bengal CM also accused the BJP of obstructing discussions on attacks against Bengali migrant workers in BJP-ruled states. “Why is the BJP against discussion on the attacks on Bengali migrants? It is because these incidents are taking place in states ruled by the party. They want to suppress the truth,” she claimed.A heated exchange followed between BJP and TMC MLAs, with sloganeering and verbal barbs disrupting proceedings. Banerjee asked, “Why is the BJP not allowing me to speak in this House?” as she struggled to make herself heard.The chief minister stated that her government was not against Hindi or any other language, but claimed that the BJP is clearly anti-Bengali. She added that the party’s attitude reflects a colonial and dictatorial mindset and that it aims to turn West Bengal into its colony.She further accused the BJP’s “ideological ancestors” of betraying the country during the freedom movement. “The BJP is a party of dictators. Their ancestors did not fight for India’s Independence; they betrayed the country,” she said.The verbal exchanges intensified, with some MLAs from the treasury benches moving toward the opposition benches, prompting marshals to intervene. The chaos forced Banerjee to temporarily halt her speech.