Imphal, Jan 19 (UNI) Former chief minister RK Dorendra and former minister P Achou Singh were among the prominent names in the list of candidates anncounced for the February assembly elections, to be held in phases.

The BJP has announced names of two more candidates--Prof Rose Mangshi from Saitu and H Naba from Singjamei(AC).

Earlier, the party had announced eight names. Only one of the ten candidates--M Bhorot from Thangmeiband--is a sitting MLA. He will contest with NCP president and former chief minister Radhabinod Koijam.

The RJD also announced candidates for six seats. The Manipur People`s Party(MPP), which had two MLAs in the eighth assembly, had announced a list of 18 candidates.

Mr Dorendra will contest as an MPP candidate from Yaiskul, Th Chaoba, former BJP state president will also contest from Nambol. S Gopal MLA of Federal Party of Manipur, will contest from Moirang.

The other candidates are A Angousana from Kumbi, N Sanajaoba from Bishenpur and Dr I Ibohalbi from Oinam.

Mr Achou Singh will contest from Uripok, former FPM MLA L Ibomcha will contest from Keisamthong, party president Dr L Chandramani will contest from Patsoi, RK Anand from Naoriya Pakhanglakpa, S Rajen from Lamshang, Kh Dinamani from Sekmai and former FPM MLA M Nilachandra from Mayang Imphal.

The MPP, the oldest regional party, received a boost after the FPM and BJP MLAs joined it. A woman candidate Ms H Babita will contest from Heingang, Dr N Bijoy from Khurai, A Rajen Sharma from Wangkhei, Th Shyamkumar from Andro.

Some more seats will be announced later, MPP leaders said.

Meanwhile, large numbers of MPP workers were protesting the granting of tickets to new entrants.

UNI