New Delhi, October 30
Putting aside their differences, the Samata Party and the Janata Dal (United) today announced their merger ahead of the Assembly poll in five states.
The party, post-merger, has been rechristened the Janata Dal (United) and will work under the leadership of the Samata Party President and Defence Minister, Mr George Fernandes. The merger was announced at a crowded press conference at the residence of Mr Fernandes.
Railway Minister and Samata Party leader Nitish Kumar told mediapersons that J D(U) chief Sharad Yadav and Samata Party chief Fernandes had decided that Mr Fernandes head the party. The party would retain the symbol of the JD(U) — arrow and the party symbol of the Samata Party — white and green flag.
