Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray has lost relevance and is not needed by the ruling Mahayuti, Union minister Ramdas Athawale said on Sunday, reported news agency PTI.

Athawale asserted that Thackeray has lost significance within the ruling Mahayuti alliance following a disappointing performance in the November 20 Maharashtra Assembly Election, where MNS did not secure any seats.