Addressing a JDS workers' convention here, Gowda claimed his party would teach a "bitter lesson" to the ruling party by defeating it in the bypolls to the three Assembly constituencies of Chennapatna, Jagalur and Bangarpet, to be held on April nine.

He declared he would continue his fight against the "communal BJP" despite his advancing age and "money power" used by the ruling party to win elections.

"BJP is desperate to win the bypolls and have sought the help of religious institutions besides unleashing the power of money. But in politics religious mutts are not the only consideration and it is the people's verdict that matters. (Karnataka Chief Minister) Yeddyurappa should realise this", he said.

Gowda further criticised BJP and its parent organisation, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), for "practising defection politics".