Imphal, Mar 17 (IANS): Congress President Rahul Gandhi will kick-start the party's poll campaign in Manipur and two other northeastern states next week, party leaders said on Saturday.

Gandhi will visit the state on March 19, Congress Legislature Party leader Okram Ibobi and state Congress unit President Gaikhangam told reporters after returning from Delhi.

Announcing Gandhi's programme, Gaikhangam said, "Our party President will arrive at Imphal from Arunachal Pradesh on March 19. He is likely to halt the night. He is scheduled to address a public meeting at Hafta Kangjeibung the next day after which he will leave for Tripura."

Ibobi, Gaikhangam and some senior leaders of the party had air-dashed to Delhi to finalise the party candidates from the state's two Lok Sabha seats.

Ibobi said that the names of the two candidates had been finalised. "However the high command shall make the announcement," he said.

Elections to Manipur's two seats will be held in the first (April 11) and second (April 18) phases of the seven-stage Lok Sabha polls.