India, June 8 -- Rebel Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate Gokul Gite on Sunday claimed that he enjoys the support of a sizeable section of Mahayuti voters in Nashik, and remains confident of defeating the Shiv Sena's Narendra Darade in the legislative council elections on June 18.

Speaking to Hindustan Times, Gite reiterated that he will stay in the contest despite efforts by senior Mahayuti leaders, including BJP minister Girish Mahajan and Shiv Sena leader Uday Samant, to persuade him to withdraw.

"I consider Girish Mahajan my elder brother. I have requested him not to pressurise me to back out of the contest at this stage," said Gite.

Mahajan arrived in Nashik from Mumbai Sunday evening and held discussions with senior BJP leade...