Police said the bomb was found near the gate of a residential building around 6 AM in Khongman Bashikhong Turel Mapal area in Imphal East district. The bomb was later defused.
The bomb was recovered about 6 km from the venue where the Congress Vice President is scheduled to address a rally.
Rahul Gandhi will campaign for Congress candidates at Hapta Kangjeibung ground.
Elections in the state are slated for March 4 and 8.
PTI