Amid elaborate security arrangements, around 15.85 per cent of 1,15,81,022 electorate exercised their franchise till 9.30 AM on Saturday in the fourth phase West Bengal Assembly election to 44 seats to decide the fate of 373 candidates, an Election Commission (EC) official here said.

Long queues were seen outside polling stations, where voting will continue till 6.30 PM.

As the polling for the fourth phase Assembly polls began this morning, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and Union Home Minister Amit Shah urged voters to come out and vote in large numbers.

Taking to his tweeter handle, Mr Modi said, “As the 4th phase of the West Bengal elections begin, urging the people voting today to do so in record numbers. I would especially request the youth and women to vote in large numbers.”

The chief minister tweeted,” I urge my brothers and sisters in Bengal to come out in large numbers and exercise their democratic right today.”

Mr Shah tweeted, “Your vote for an appeasement and corruption free government will ensure the progress and development of West Bengal. Urging everyone, especially the first-time voters to come out and vote in large numbers.”

Several allegations of obstruction and intimidation reported from Coochbehar and Howrah

A voter killed while standing in queue at booth in Sitalkuchi of Coochbehar district, allegedly in firing. Deceased identified as Ananda Burman (18), a first-time voter; still unclear who fired the shot

Reports of bombs being hurled in Golabari region of North Howrah constituency.

BJP’s Kasba candidate Indranil Khan was allegedly heckled and stopped from entering booth. Khan also claimed houses of BJP supporters were ransacked and party men threatened

Following Khan’s complaint a Trinamool worker has been arrested.