Total number of candidates reduced to 370

SHILLONG: The number of total candidates contesting the February 27 polls has come down to 370 after the Election Department failed to delete the names of two rejected candidates — one from Sutnga-Saipung and another from Khliehriat- from the list.
An election official said on Tuesday that the name of the rejected candidate Yeimon Sutnga from Sutnga-Saipung was entered in the final data and hence the number was 372.
The official added that Sutnga was a BJP stand-by candidate and his nomination was rejected since he failed to provide a security deposit of Rs 5,000.
Similarly, the candidature of Bhamon Shylla (UDP), another stand-by candidate, from Khliehriat constituency was rejected after scrutiny by the returning officer.