Bangalore: World Bank does not believe Left parties, which offer crucial support to the UPA (United Progressive Alliance) Government, are a dampner to taking India's economic reforms forward, and says the coalition's Common Minimum Programme (CMP) is a "very strong and positive agenda".

"We feel strongly that the CMP is a very strong and positive agenda and if fully implemented will be a very effective way of improving India's growth prospects, particularly in a way it really helps ordinary people, particularly in rural areas," WB's Country Director, Michael Carter told sources in Bangalore.

Carter said he does not agree with the perception that given Left parties' anathema to globalisation and liberalisation, they would be a dampner in taking India's economic reforms forward.

"I think that if you look at the track record of some States (Left parties-led and Left parties-supported), it's very good", he said.

"I think one of the things the Left parties believe very important is the access and participation of ordinary people in the development process which is something actually we very much agree with", Carter added.

On whether the reforms have suffered under the UPA regime, he said, "I think it's early days. Too soon yet to have a view on that".