Even as a final decision will be taken by party chief Mamata Banerjee after the poll results, a senior leaders say Khan will be a better choice considering that his selection will send the right message to voters before the crucial state Assembly elections next year.

“A minority leader for the post of Mayor is a great idea. It will project a good image of our party to the over 26 per cent minority voters in the state. The minority vote is crucial for us in the Assembly polls next year,” said a senior Trinamool leader.

Adding that Mamata Banerjee was eager to put up a minority leader for the post, the leader, however, said: “After the polls, senior leaders have suggested that Sobhon Chatterjee, a party observer for South 24-Parganas district, would be a better choice.”

Chatterjee is said to be close to Kalighat and has vast experience behind him. Trinamool candidate from Ward 88 Anup Chatterjee has also been recommended for the post.

The names of veteran leader Anil Mukherjee and Shyamalesh Roy, first time candidate and advocate, are also doing the rounds.

“First, let the results be out and then we will discuss the issue. Mamata Banerjee will then have the final say,” said Partho Chatterjee, Trinamool MLA and leader of the Opposition in the state Assembly.