Ashok Choudhary, Bihar Minister, Becomes Assistant Professor

Patna, June 25 (PTI) – In a recent development, Ashok Choudhary, a key aide to Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, has been selected as an assistant professor by the State University Service Commission. Choudhary, who is 57 years old, is the national general secretary of the JD(U) and a senior minister in the Bihar state cabinet. He applied for the position five years ago and has been chosen under the Scheduled Castes quota.

Interestingly, despite this new role, Choudhary has no plans to step away from politics. He announced that he will not accept any salary for his position as an assistant professor. "My father, who encouraged me to pursue a career in politics, always stressed the importance of a solid foundation. Before I entered politics, I completed my master's and earned a PhD from Magadh University," Choudhary explained to PTI during a phone interview.

His late father, Mahavir Choudhary, had also served as a minister during the Congress's rule in Bihar in the 1980s, and his daughter, Shambhavi, currently serves as the Lok Janshakti (Ram Vilas) MP from Samastipur.

Choudhary reflected on his passion for academics, noting that he has published numerous research papers in well-regarded journals. "A few years ago, Harvard invited me to present a paper on Scheduled Castes women in Independent India, which was also the topic of my doctoral thesis. Hence, when a vacancy arose in 2020, I gave it a shot. I recently found out that I was among the successful candidates," he shared.

When asked about his future intentions, the rural works minister emphasized his commitment to continue his political career, which he has been part of for over two decades. "There is no question of leaving politics. I am willing to contribute as an assistant professor without remuneration. Many political figures have maintained academic pursuits alongside their political careers, and I aim to do the same," he remarked.

Meanwhile, the Congress party took a dig at Choudhary, who was their state unit president until 2017 before joining the JD(U) in the following year. On their X handle, the Congress posted a news clip about Choudhary's selection, sarcastically noting, "The young are not getting jobs. But Ashok Choudhary becomes a professor at the age of 58 years thanks to the RSS quota."

The comment alluded to the recent controversy surrounding Choudhary's son-in-law, Sayan Kunal, being appointed to the Bihar State Board of Religious Trusts. The minister has denied any involvement in Kunal's appointment, stating that it was an "RSS quota" appointment.