Mahendranagar, March 17:

Former Prime Minister and senior leader of the Nepali Congress Sher Bahadur Deuba today said he is the successor of Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala.

Speaking at a press conference organised by the Kanchanpur chapter of the Nepal Press Union here, he said: “Though the Maoists have posed their chief Prachanda as the presidential candidate, the NC has clearly stated in its election manifesto that the PM will be all-powerful,” he said.

“I do not care whatever other people say. I am the future Prime Minister of Nepal,” he claimed.

“I am the successor of Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala.”

Deuba, who is busy with an election campaign in the district, said: “The NC will ensure the rights of Nepalis in the new constitution, which will be drafted after the CA polls.”

“The Nepali Congress is committed to drafting an inclusive constitution, thereby establishing the rights of all Nepalis.” Asked about the fate of monarchy, he said: “Since I am for a republic and since the Nepali Congress has passed the agenda of republic, nobody can think of giving continuity to the monarchy.”

He said the first meeting of the constituent assembly will take a decision on monarchy.

Deuba, who is contesting the first-past-the-post election from constituency no. 4 of Kanchanpur district, launched his electoral campaign from the Chandani-Dhodhara area on Friday.