Kolkata/IBNS, July 11 -- Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday blamed the country's primary opposition party Congress' reluctance for the lack of strength in the INDIA bloc.

Abdullah, who was present at the Travel and Tourism Fair event in Kolkata, said it was neither his or West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's primary responsibility to strengthen the alliance.

Though several INDIA bloc allies fought against each other in their respective states, the alliance could manage to reduce the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)'s tally of seats to 303 to 240 in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls.

The INDIA bloc soared to 230 with Congress improving its performance by winning 99 seats.

Even in West Bengal, the TMC, Left and Congre...