Imphal, February 27: The Congress, which has emerged the largest party in the 60-member House by winning 30 seats, just one short of an absolute majority.

The party looked set to form the next government in Manipur.

Party sources in Imphal indicated that the CPI, which was a partner in the outgoing SPF ministry and secured 4 seats this time, is likely to join a coalition government led by it.

The sources said the steering committee of the SPF ministry held a meeting on Tuesday during which the CPI offered to join the next ministry if the Congress and CPI received absolute majority.

It was not yet known whether the NCP and RJD, partners of the UPA government in Delhi, would join the new ministry.

State RJD president and former Chief Minister W Nipamacha Singh who lost to NCP nominee S Joy Singh in Wangoi had said his party would strictly abide by the decision of RJD Central leaders.

While NCP bagged 5 seats, RJD secured 3 seats.