In another setback to the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena faction ahead of Lok Sabha elections, former Maharashtra minister and Shiv Sena (UBT) deputy leader Babanrao Gholap joined the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena on Saturday.

Gholap is a veteran Sena leader and a five-time MLA from Nashik district. Gholap joining the Shinde camp can boost the party's prospects and in return the Mahayuti in north Maharashtra. Former MLA Sanjay Pawar also joined the Shinde-led Sena.