PATNA, Nov. 14 -- Trends from the initial rounds of counting once again underscored Nitish Kumar's enduring durability as a political force in Bihar, a state he has governed for 20 years.

His Janata Dal (United) was ahead in 83 of Bihar's 243 seats at 11.30am, emerging as the largest party in the state, significantly more than the Rashtriya Janata Dal's (RJD) 33 and ahead of even its alliance partner the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which led in 78.

This marks a significant shift after his party ended up as only the third-largest in the 2020, with just 43 seats.

Experts said the victory set aside doubts over the veteran leader's ability to turn goodwill into votes, despite concerns over his health.

"The 2010 election was Nitish Kumar...