The issue focused by Mr. Bhatt was whether the government would take steps to prevent the "lax enforcement" of rules on land acquisition and development by allowing foreign firms to build on land held by the government.

Mr. Bhatt's proposal drew criticism from the ruling Bharatiya Janata party, which argued the issue was an attempt to "divert funds from public spending, and divert public funds to corporate and special interests."

A senior government official said the government is looking at Mr