Mangalore (PTI): Former Prime Minister and JDS chief H D Deve Gowda on Sunday hit out at political parties using religion and caste for political gain and said it is a "form of corruption" which must be curbed.

"Some political parties are using religion and caste as a trump card to get votes," he said.

"Using religion and caste for political gain is a form of corruption and must be curbed. People should decide who all are responsible for this," he told reporters beginning his electioneering in Dakshina Kannada on Sunday for the second phase of assembly polls on May 16.

He also ridiculed the manifestos of BJP and Congress and said it was not possible for them to implement the assurances. Congress has promised 24-hour free power supply for urban and rural areas for lighting and irrigation pumpsets upto ten HP, rice at Rs two a kg loans for farmers and others at three per cent interest besides free colour television set per house, while the BJP has promised free power to farmers, rice at Rs two per kg for poor and cyber cafes at all villages.