A rift within the ruling Liberal Democratic Party triggered by the revolt of former Secretary General Koichi Kato deepened further on Monday as two party factions backed Kato's rebellion against Prime Minister Yoshiro Mori.
Heavyweights within the party have been trying to quell the turmoil, with LDP President Mori and Secretary General Hiromu Nonaka indicating they are ready to talk with Kato.
Kato intensified his challenge against Mori over the weekend by suggesting he may back a no-confidence motion expected to be filed against Mori's Cabinet by the opposition camp later this month.