India, Nov. 15 -- Nitish Kumar's age, health, and every mannerism was scrutinised during the Bihar election campaign, placing him at the nub of the chatter - from speculation that he wasn't well enough, to claims by rivals that he won't be CM anyway. Prashant Kishor bet his entire political career on it, saying he would quit politics of JD(U) got more than 25 seats and if Nitish became CM again.

Even in criticism or absentia, Nitish, at 74, remained the main character. A lot was still riding on the numbers, though.

With the JD(U) on its crossing the 80 mark in the 243-strong House, just four seats behind the BJP's 89, Nitish Kumar looks set to take oath as Bihar's chief minister a tenth time after the NDA wiped out the opposition RJD-le...