Imphal, January 12: The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) has named 23 candidates for the ensuing Assembly elections.

Speaking to reporters today at the NCP Manipur Pradesh office at Thangmeiband, its president Radhabinod Koijam who is also contesting the elections from Thangmeiband Constituency said that out of the 23 candidates announced today in the first phase, 18 would contest elections in the valley while 5 would fight in the hill constituencies.

Among the 23 candidates, there is one woman candidate, he said.

The NCP candidates declared in the first phase today are Thangjam Nandakishore in Kshetrigao A/C, Khongbantabam Ibomcha in Lamlai A/C, Radhabinod Koijam in Thangmeiband A/C, Ningthoukhongjam Radhakanta in Uripok A/C, Moirangthem Kumar in Sagolband A/C, Moirangthem Prafulla in Wangkhei A/C, Nongmaithem Kuber in Konthoujam A/C, Dr Rebika Naorem in Langthabal A/C, Sinam Kumar in Naoriya Pakhanglakpa A/C, Salam Joy in Wangoi A/C, Maulana Abdus Salam in Mayang Imphal A/C, Kongkham Jadumani in Nambol A/C, Khundrakpam Jibon in Bishnupur A/C, Khangembam Nabakumar in Kumbi A/C, Md Allaudin in Lilong A/C, Md Fazur Rahim in Wabagai A/C, Maibam Kunjo in Hiyanglam A/C, Ashangbam Biren in Jiribam A/C, Doukhomang Khongsai in Saikul (ST) A/C, Selkai Hrangchal in Tipaimukh (ST) A/C, P Songlianlan in Thanglon (ST) A/C, D Sanga Vaiphei in Henglep (ST) A/C and Lalthalien in Saikot (ST) A/C.Responding to a query, Radhabinod said that the party would announce its candidates in a phase manner as the polling would be done in three phases.

Claiming that many individuals have applied to contest the elections as NCP candidates, he said that the party is scrutinising the antecedents and prospects of the aspiring candidates.

Disclosing that the party expects atleast 30 MLAs, he exuded confidence that NCP would emerge the single largest party after the elections.

In such a case, NCP would seek alliance with the political party which can feel the pulse of people and is seriously concerned for the welfare of Manipur, said the NCP president.