PATNA, Oct. 7 -- With the Election Commission announcing two-phase Bihar assembly elections on November 6 and 11 - coinciding with the state's festive season beginning with Diwali on October 20 and culminating in Chhath on October 28 - political parties across the spectrum see the timing as fortuitous. A significant section of Bihar's nearly 10 million migrant population is expected to return home for the celebrations, potentially boosting voter turnout. BJP MP from Nawada and member of the state campaign committee, Vivek Thakur said the festive period often reshaped the state's campaign dynamics. "Chhath is when all public meetings are put on hold. Candidates move around the ghats as thousands gather to offer prayers to the setting and rising sun," he said. Explaining how politicians use the period for outreach, Thakur added, "They visit households and share maha prasad on kharna, the second day of Chhath, when devotees break their fast with 'gud ki kheer', fruits, and ghee-laden chapatis. It's an occasion for emotional and cultural connect with voters." JD(U) spokesperson Abhishek Jha said the NDA partners would take collective decisions on joint campaigning. Taking a swipe at rivals, he added, "We don't start preparing for exams when dates are announced. Nitish Kumar has already delivered on his Saat Nischay I and II promises." LJP (Ram Vilas) state president Raju Tiwari said seat-sharing talks within the NDA were in the final stage. "The timing is apt as migrants returning for Diwali and Chhath will also participate in the festival of democracy. Higher turnout benefits democracy, and we're confident of gaining from it," he said. The Opposition, however, views the polls as a mandate for change. RJD spokesperson Mritunjay Tiwary said, "After 20 years of NDA rule, people want change. We'll focus on unemployment, corruption, and crime."...