Himal Press 
KATHMANDU: Former Land Reforms Minister Chandra Dev Joshi has claimed that he tendered his resignation before the Dr Babu Ram Bhattarai-led cabinet took the decision, which facilitated the registration of government land in Lalita Niwas under the names of private individuals.
In a social media post, Joshi clarified that he resigned on September 20, 2012, before the cabinet took the controversial decision on October 4, 2012. “By that time, Top Bahadur Rayaamajhi had taken over my position,” he said. “Since I was not in the cabinet, I have no idea of the decisions taken by it.”
Joshi also said he forwarded the proposal to the cabinet through his ministry solely to respect the apex court’s ruling. “I was not involved in the decision-making process. Nonetheless, I am fully prepared to cooperate with the investigation,” he added.
The former minister’s comment came after media outlets claimed police were preparing to issue arrest warrants for three former ministers involved in the Lalita Niwas land-grab scam. The other two former ministers include Bijaya Kumar Gachchhadar and Dambar Shrestha.
