The JD allies, Lok shakti and the Samata Party, had already been in the BJP-led government and talks with the leaders of these parties were on, Vajpayee told a news conference here.

The Prime Minister said if the JD decides to join the NDA it would further impart strength to the alliance.

Hoping that the electorate would not give a fractured mandate for a hung parliament, Vajpayee said people were fed up with frequent elections and they want a government that lasts.

Asked if the NDA would not not, by admitting Sharad Yadav and Ram Vilas Paswan, be repeating the mistake of admitting Jayalalitha in the alliance, Vajpayee hoped no problems would be created this time as past experience had made them all wiser.

Saying that the coalition era is there now, Vajpayee observed thatit was a mistake to have inducted AIADMK leader Jayalalitha into the ruling coalition last time.

Vajpayee's statement comes close on the heels of the unity rally of the JD, Lok shakti and Samata Party in Bangalore on Saturday which had made it clear that these parties' unity was not aimed at weakening the BJP but strengthening the NDA and the hands of Vajpayee.