Mumbai/IBNS: Mumbai Congress veteran and five-time city corporator Ravi Raja ditched his party to join the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) just weeks before the Maharashtra Assembly Election, scheduled for November 20.

With him shifting camp, his association with Congress ends after a long 44 years.

He was welcomed into BJP by Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Mumbai BJP chief Ashish Shelar.

Without giving out names, Fadnavis said that many notable Congress leaders would follow Raja and join the saffron camp.

"People are confident that the Mahayuti government will make a comeback," he said.

"Raja is like an encyclopedia for issues in Mumbai. He is an old friend of ours. Raja and his supporters' decision to join the BJP would strengthen the party's prospects ahead of Maharashtra assembly polls," Shelar said welcoming him into the party.

Addressing reports of discord between Chief Minister Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit-Pawar-led NCP over seat-sharing for the upcoming elections, Fadnavis said that all issues have been resolved and names will be announced soon.

Maharashtra will vote for the assembly elections on November 20, with counting of votes set for November 23.