Geraing up to launch his new party, Former Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad stated on Sunday that he will not deceive the public on the topic of Article 370 since only a government with a two-thirds majority in Parliament can assure its reinstatement, news agency PTI reported.


While addressing a rally in Kashmir, Azad stated: "Azad knows what can and cannot be done. I or the Congress party or three regional parties cannot give you back Article 370, neither can (TMC chief) Mamata Banerjee, or DMK or (NCP chief) Sharad Pawar."


The former Union minister stated that he will not bring up issues over which he has no control.


"Some people have been saying that I don't talk about Article 370. I want to tell them that Azad does not befool people for electoral gains," Azad was quoted by PTI in its report. 


"I swear before God that I will not mislead you. I will not raise such slogans or issues over which I have no control," he said.


Azad stated that only a party with a two-thirds majority in Parliament can reinstate the former state's special status, which was withdrawn by the Centre in August 2019.


"Congress party hasn't been able to achieve more than 85 Lok Sabha seats in the last ten years. Its strength is decreasing in the Rajya Sabha with every state loss...I don't think the Congress can get over 350 seats in the Lok Sabha elections," he said.


"Where from can I get it? Why mislead people," he added.


The former chief minister of J-K declared that he would only make promises to the public that could actually be fulfilled.


"I or the Congress party or three regional parties cannot give you back Article 370...," he added.


Azad stated he will announce the foundation of his new political party within 10 days and claimed that its philosophy will be "independent" after ending his five-decade connection with the Congress last month.


The previous Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha stated that his party's priorities include restoring J-statehood, K's granting its citizens exclusive rights to employment and land, and fostering growth.


Altaf Bukhari, the leader of the Apni Party, claimed that Azad had voted in favour of repealing Article 370, but he stated Bukhari should first comprehend how the legislative process functions.


"I voted against the Bill brought by the Home Ministry for the revocation of Article 370," Azad said. 


(With Inputs From PTI)