Imphal, January 16: With the election to the 9th Manipur Legislative Assembly fast approaching, Central leaders of various political parties have started coming to the State to chalk out the poll strategies of their respective parties as well as for electioneering.

In connection with the Assembly election to be held in February, AICC secretary in-charge of Manipur Sanjoy Bhopana and Randy Thomas are presently camping at Imphal and discussion on the election strategies of the Congress has begun even as the North East in-charge of Samajwadi Party Mahavir is expected to arrive tomorrow.

While Randy Thomas arrived yesterday, AICC secretary Sanjoy Bhopana reached Imphal this afternoon.

Both the leaders will be staying at Imphal for some days to discuss the election strategies of the party along with MPCC leaders.

According to party sources, the names of the candidates of the party who would contest in the second phase of the election to be conducted on February 18 in all the Assembly constituencies of Imphal East (including Jiribam), Imphal West and Bishnupur district have been finalised by the AICC.

The names of the candidates are likely to be announced on February 18 after receiving the list and with the permission of the party high command.

Meanwhile, national secretary of Samajwadi Party and Northeast in-charge Mahavir is arriving at Imphal tomorrow.

During his stay at Imphal, he would discuss the political scenario here along with the leaders of the State unit party and other frontal organisations.

The ECI has given the green signal for candidates from Spt and Ukl dists to file their nomination papers at Imphal, following a submission from the State CEO.

The CEO submitted the case following requests from pol parties.

Two Addl AROs have been appointed to receive the papers.