New Delhi: Ahead of Assembly polls in five states, Janata Dal-United (JD-U) and Samata Party on October 28 decided to merge as part of unification of splinter Janata groups.

A decision to this effect was taken at meeting of JD-U president Sharad Yadav and Samata Party chief George Fernandes, both the leaders said in a signed statement.

Samata Party leader Nitish Kumar was also present at the meeting.

The details of the merger would be formally announced on October 30, the statement added.

PTI