India, June 18 -- Amid the swirling speculation about a possible split in the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT)'s MPs, concerns have intensified within the party over the loyalty of several legislators as well, with the rival Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena faction claiming that some are in touch with them. According to party sources, a section of these could eventually break away and form a separate group.

Sena (UBT) insiders admitted that the fresh speculation was what had prompted the party leadership to convene a meeting of its MLAs and MLCs on June 22. Party sources, while not disclosing any names, also said that Uddhav Thackeray personally called several legislators on Wednesday and interacted with them amid the defection buzz.

The...