Imphal, February 20: In the first sign of political maneuverings aimed at formation of a new government after the elections, leaders of several non-Congress parties met at the office of the Manipur People's Party this morning to make an assessment of the political scenario that is likely to emerge after the elections.

Political heavyweights such as former chief ministers RK Dorendro of the BJP, Radhabinod Koijam of the Samata Party, Col (retd) Bhuban of the NCP, and the CPI's Ph Parijat as well as others, attended the meeting.

The MNC's W Nipamacha did not attend, apparently due to late receipt of the meeting notice, but promised over the telephone to join the next meeting.

On the other hand, despite knowing of the meeting, the leaders of the Federal Party and the MSCP failed to turn up.

Apart from assessing the likely post-poll political scenario, it is learnt, the idea of forging some kind of an alliance among the parties to keep the Congress out of power was also mooted at the meeting.

It was agreed that a further meeting should be held to explore the idea further, including the matter of a common minimum programme and the leadership of such an alliance.

On the other hand, according to reliable sources, a joint meeting of candidates of the Indian National Congress, INC, who are felt to have good prospects of winning in the ongoing elections was also held at the home of a senior Congress leader today.