KOLKATA, Aug 23: Rival communist and Congress party workers fired at each other and exploded bombs during a local election in West Bengal on Monday, killing four and wounding another 20.

The clashes occurred during elections for a school governing council in Ghu Ghu Para area of Murshidabad district, 250 kilometres north of Kolkata.

The communists have ruled West Bengal state for 33 years but are being challenged by a regional group, the Trinamool Congress, and the Congress.

Three of the four killed belonged to the Communist Party of India (Marxist), said Nirpen Chowdhury, a party leader. The wounded were hospitalised, three in serious condition. Police arrested 15 people on the two sides for rioting. —AP