New Delhi: Prominent Indian author and political theorist Aditya Nigam has refused to accept the Ramchandra Khan Social Science Award. His decision comes in response to the invitation extended to Samrat Chaudhry, a leader of the Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP) and the Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar, to attend the event.

The award, presented annually by the Patna-based Lok Darshan Nyas, was this year jointly awarded to Nigam’s book, “Aasmaan Aur Bhi Hain: Vaicharik Swaraj Ke Taqaze,” and another work, “Allah Naam Ki Siyasat” by Hilal Ahmad. The ceremony is scheduled to be held on April 5 in Patna.

Nigam announced his decision on social media, stating he would not accept the award from any BJP or RSS representative. “I have written to the organisers saying that I will, under no circumstance, receive the award from any Sangh or BJP person and that they should cancel my tickets etc.,” he posted on Facebook.

Nigam expressed gratitude for the recognition his book received but clarified that he cannot accept an award potentially presented by a BJP leader. He learned of the BJP leader’s participation through a poster for the event.

Aditya Nigam is associated with the Centre for the Study of Developing Societies in Delhi, focusing on the decolonisation of social and political theory.