Political Science meets politics: Bihar Minister selected as Assistant Professor

By Admin

26 Jun, 2025

In a rare confluence of governance and academia, Bihar’s Rural Works Minister, Ashok Choudhary, has made headlines with his selection as an Assistant Professor in Political Science under the Bihar State University Service Commission (BSUSC) recruitment drive. His appointment adds a new dimension to the dialogue between political experience and academic instruction.

An Uncommon Crossover

Mr. Choudhary, 57, a seasoned politician and a trusted aide of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, was among the 275 candidates selected for the 280 available posts in Political Science under the Scheduled Caste category. The recruitment, originally advertised in 2020, saw its results finally declared on Tuesday evening, bringing closure to a long-awaited selection process.

Speaking to The Hindu from Assam, Mr. Choudhary confirmed his selection, saying, “Yes, I have been selected for the post of Assistant Professor in Political Science.”

Managing Dual Roles?

When questioned about his future course of action, Mr. Choudhary remarked, “It depends on which university I am allotted. If it is in or around Patna, I will try to manage both roles.” This statement has sparked curiosity over whether a sitting minister can effectively straddle the responsibilities of both politics and teaching.

A Long-Awaited Recruitment

The BSUSC recruitment drive was a massive undertaking, with 4,638 vacancies announced across 52 subjects. The maximum age limit for applicants was capped at 55 years, making Mr. Choudhary's selection at 57 years under the reserved category a noteworthy detail. Despite the long delay in finalizing the results, the process has now opened opportunities for candidates like Choudhary who qualify under specific criteria.

Political Background and Academic Ambition

Hailing from Sheikhpura district, Mr. Choudhary began his political journey with the Congress Party, winning the Barbigha MLA seat in 2000. He went on to become the Bihar Congress president in 2013, later joining Janata Dal (United) in 2018. A member of the Bihar Legislative Council, he has previously served as Minister for Education and Building Construction portfolios that may align with his academic inclinations.

Facing the Critics

Predictably, the Opposition has questioned the dual-role potential and ethical implications. However, Mr. Choudhary remains firm: “I cleared the exam and applied according to the eligibility criteria. The Opposition has nothing substantial to raise. If they failed to create jobs during their tenure, that’s their failure, not mine.”

Final Thoughts

Mr. Choudhary’s selection reignites discussions on the crossover between active politics and academic service. Whether this move sets a precedent or remains an exception, it certainly offers a unique case study in how practical political experience could potentially enrich political science education in Bihar.