Goa, June 22 -- Shiv Sena (UBT) appeared headed for another major setback on Monday after Maharashtra minister Pratap Sarnaik claimed that six Lok Sabha MPs from the Uddhav Thackeray-led faction were set to join the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena.

According to Sarnaik, the MPs had already submitted a letter to the Lok Sabha Speaker informing her of their decision. If the switch materialises, Shiv Sena's strength in the Lok Sabha will rise from seven MPs to 13, significantly strengthening the Shinde camp.

The development comes amid growing speculation of unrest within the Uddhav Thackeray-led party. MPs Omraje Nimbalkar and Nagesh Patil Ashtikar have already confirmed their departure from Shiv Sena (UBT), while reports suggest several other...