A total of 317 candidates are left in the fray for the February 26 assembly election in the Northeastern state of Meghalaya, after the last date for the withdrawal of nominations passed on Monday.

Chief Minister Dr Flinder Anderson Khonglam is locked in a five-corner contest from Sohra on a Hill State People's Democratic Party  ticket while Deputy Chief Minister D D Lapang [Congress] is fighting a four-corner contest from his earlier constituency Nongpoh.

Former chief minister Salseng Marak [Congress] is facing a straight fight with National Congress Party candidate Timothy Shira from Resubelpara. Another former chief minister E K Mawlong [United Democratic Party] is also contesting a solo rival in Stanlywiss Rymbai [Congress] from Umroi.

Assembly Speaker E D Marak [NCP] fights four others from Kharkutta, while Home (police) Minister Lotsing A Sangma [NCP] is locked in a triangular contest from Baghmara.

Power Minister Martle N Mukhim [Meghalaya Democratic Party] is in the ring with five other contestants from Dienglieng, while Higher and Technical Education Minister Dr Donkupar Roy [UDP] is facing a six-corner contest from Shella constituency.