A majority of public schools here remained closed Monday in protest against the kidnapping of a schoolboy, the issue assuming political colour ahead of Bihar's assembly elections.

The call for the schools' closure was given by the Bihar Public Schools and Children's Welfare Association, which has also threatened to boycott cultural shows on the Republic Day if Kislay Kaushal, 14, was not quickly traced.

The student of Patna's Delhi Public School was abducted Jan 19 from near his home while going to school. The kidnappers are believed to be criminals seeking ransom from the boy's family.

The kidnapping has triggered a storm of protests in Patna and elsewhere and opposition parties have plunged into the fray, keeping in mind assembly elections starting Feb 3.

"We have urged the schools to postpone cultural programmes on the Republic Day to put pressure for his early rescue," said D.K. Singh, president of the association.

Students from some schools will also sit on a relay fast. The association has threatened to stage protests outside the state governor's office if Kaushal was not recovered soon.

Many school students have also written to President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam requesting his intervention.

The opposition has alleged the involvement of the ruling Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) in the kidnapping and targeted the government for the deteriorating law and order situation.

Bihar Chief Minister Rabri Devi and RJD chief Lalu Prasad met Kaushal's parents Saturday and assured them that the authorities were making all efforts to find their son.

DPS students staged protests Friday and Saturday to denounce the increasing number of kidnappings for ransom in Bihar. On Saturday, students of the DAV School here decided to skip their lunch every day until Kaushal was traced.