AAP can replace bourgeois parties, not Left: Karat

The Aam Admi Party (AAP) is a substitute for bourgeois parties, not the Left, CPI-M general secretary Prakash Karat said Saturday.

He said it was still too early to say anything on the AAP, which formed a minority government in Delhi Dec 28.

"AAP has done well in Delhi and is a significant force, but I am not sure of other states," Karat told the media here.

"They are a substitute for bourgeois parties, not the Left.

"A good thing is that they have drawn support from the middle class. But we are waiting to hear from them (about) their programmes and policies."

Karat admitted that the AAP has drawn support not only from Left supporters but also from those whose political leanings are to the right or the centre.

Asked if the Left would ally with the AAP, Karat said it seemed like they were not interested in having an alliance and were presently concerned with establishing themselves.

"We are interested to know about their approach to neo-liberal policies and communalism," Karat said.

Karat admitted that the Communist Party of India-Marxist had not done well in the metro cities.

"We have problems with the present generation of the middle class, and hence the CPI-M and the Left have started to re-orient themselves," Karat said.