3 Things A minority front in Bengal, farmers on strike, and RaGa slams India-US deal
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Feb 12, 2026 Ravik Bhattacharya, Kolkata bureau chief and political reporter on West Bengal politics; Raakhi Jagga, agricultural reporter covering farmer actions and trade impacts. They discuss a new minority-led political front reshaping Bengal race. They examine farmer unions striking over the India-US interim trade deal and specific worries for dairy, apples and tariffs. Rahul Gandhi’s forceful parliamentary critique of the trade pact is also covered.
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Humayun Kabir's Breakaway Rally
- Humayun Kabir, a suspended TMC MLA, laid a Babri Masjid replica's foundation and launched his own party.
- Ravik Bhattacharya says large rallies followed, signalling local traction beyond past small parties.
TMC's Muslim Vote Cushion Is Shrinking
- TMC can no longer rely on a guaranteed 30% Muslim vote bank in key districts.
- Ravik Bhattacharya warns this shifts TMC's confidence and forces a defensive push on issues like SIR.
Trade Framework Raises Farmer Alarm
- The India-US interim trade framework lowers tariffs on many US industrial and agricultural goods.
- Raakhi Jagga says farmers fear this will expose Indian agriculture to large US agribusiness competition.