Lucknow: Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee today (May 5, 2004) ruled out possibility of a split in National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and exuded confidence that the alliance would touch the magic figure of 272 and form the Government at the Centre.

"As far as NDA is concerned, there will not be any split," he told reporters when asked about Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mulayam Singh Yadav's remarks about a possible split in the NDA after the Lok Sabha polls.

Flashing victory sign to a battery of newsmen and cameramen after casting his vote, Vajpayee said he did not know on what basis the Samajwadi Party chief was claiming formation of a Third Front Government by uniting various parties after the elections.

Elections 2004-The Drama unfolds...

"NDA would get the magic figure of 272 and would form the new Government," he said.

To a question that his "friend" Ram Jethmalani was pitted against him in the prestigious Lucknow Lok Sabha constituency, Vajpayee quipped, "Now our friendship would further be strengthened."

When asked about the exit polls, Vajpayee said he had no problem with it.