``The process for the merger is on. We will discuss all issues when we meet here on November 15,'' he told reporters at a press meet here. He said the three parties had contested under one symbol and that there were only some `technical issues' to be sorted out for the merger.

To a question about the reported opposition by SP to the induction of Ram Lakhan Singh Yadav into JD(U), he said the former RJD member had played an important role in the fight against the ``misrule'' of Rabri Devi government in Bihar.

SP leader Nitish Kumar has taken exception to JD(U) inducting MLAs or leaders of RJD or other parties without holding consultations with the Samata. Yadav said the differences over issues within JD(U) were coming to the fore because his party``was more democratic and gave more freedom to express views.'' Regarding non-inclusion of Lok Shakti leader Ram Krishna Hegde into the Cabinet, Sharad Yadav said it was an internal problem.

Asked to comment on the Pope's visit, he said his party welcomed it and that the Pope would be treated as a guest of the country.

Yadav agreed that minorities were not adequately represented in the Cabinet but said it was prerogative of the Prime Minister. He said the JD(U) had decided to support the NDA on the basis of its National agenda. On his visit to RSS office to meet its leaders after the election, the Minister said many RSS leaders were with him in jail during emergency. ``I have friendly relationship with them for the past two decades,'' he said.

Asked how his party would reconcile to liberalisation, Yadav said even the Janata Dal had welcomed foreign investment into infrastructure areas in its manifesto.