India, June 9 -- Rebel Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate Gokul Gite is likely to withdraw from the Nashik legislative council election with an announcement expected on Tuesday, according to Mahayuti leaders familiar with the developments.

The indication comes after BJP minister Girish Mahajan met Gite near Nashik airport Monday evening before flying to Mumbai along with Shiv Sena ministers Uday Samant and Dada Bhuse.

Mahajan told reporters that discussions with Gite were positive and were centred on persuading him to withdraw from the contest.

"Wait till Tuesday for some good news," Mahajan said.

Sources in the BJP said Gite accompanied the three ministers to Mumbai, and is expected to meet senior Mahayuti leaders. Party leaders ...