Ranchi, Nov. 3: Apparently unnerved by the Union human resource development minister Arjun Singh’s announcement to review the lessons imparted in Ekal Vidyalayas and Saraswati Shishu Mandirs, the state unit of BJP is planni-ng a mass agitation programme after the Koderma bypoll.

It might even resort to judicial activism if the Centre tries to close down or introduce changes in the basic character of these schools.

The BJP’s state general secretary Vijay Jha said over 27,000 such schools are functional in the country. Most of these institutions are in remote areas. Over 31 lakh children study in these schools and the strength of teachers exceeds 1.30 lakh.

In Jharkhand, 1,500 such institutions are functional. Only 600 high schools are run by the state government. Under such circumstances, if the Saraswati Shishu Mandirs and Ekal Vidyalayas are closed down, the future of lakhs of children will be at stake. The BJP will never allow that to happen. “Even Muslim and Christian children study in these schools. But we teach them about Maharana Pratap and Shivaji. We make them aware of our indigenous culture. We are not going to glorify Aurangzeb for political gains. If the UPA tampers with our syllabi, it will have to face the consequences,” Jha added.

Talking about the Koderma bypoll, Jha said the BJP would probably be able to win over some traditional voters of UPA.