NCP MLA Dharmarao Atram claimed that five MPs from the Sharad Pawar-led NCP (SP) may join the NCP faction by December 12. "People have trust in the leadership of [Maharashtra Deputy CM] Sunetra Pawar and they've realised that to bring development...they need to come to us." he said. His remarks came amid speculation over a split in Shiv Sena (UBT).