The announcement about the merger was made at a news conference by HVP (D) president and Cooperation Minister Kartar Singh Bhadana here. Bhadana said the merger was unconditional and was aimed at strengthening the Chautala Government in the State. Fourteen of the 17 HVP (D) legislators were present at the news conference.

Chief Minister Om Parkash Chautala, who was also present at the conference, welcomed the merger. He said six Independent legislators supporting his Government had become associate members of the INLD.

Of the six Independents, four have already been inducted into the Haryana council of ministers.

Bhadana was not able to give a reason for the absence of three party legislators -- Jagan Nath, Dr Dharamvir Yadav and Karan Singh Dalal --at the press conference.