The debate took place on a starred question by Rapar MLA Babubhai Shah. In response to supplementary queries, Revenue Minister Anandiben Patel informed the House that land surrendered by owners of salt pans were sold off by the Gujarat Maritime Board (GMB) for rates varying between Rs 6.5 to Rs 25 per metre, that translated into Rs 24,000 to Rs one lakh per acre.

Shah and Leader of Opposition Shaktisinh Gohil, however, alleged that this was a sell-off as the market rate for the same land in Kutch was anything between Rs 50 lakh to Rs 5 crore per acre. But on being told by Patel that the government had not received any complaints, the Opposition leaders demanded an inquiry into the dealings.

Gohil even called it a conspiracy to benefit one specific industrial house that owns the Mundra SEZ.

This led to Finance Minister Vajubhai Vala requesting Speaker Ashok Bhatt to expunge the remark as the word ‘conspiracy’ cast aspersions on the government's motives.

Bhatt, however, did not allow Vala’s request after Gohil clarified that he was only hinting at complicity at the administrative level.

Shah also alleged that salt pan owners were being induced to surrender the leases of their costly land to the GMB, following which, the government was transferring them to the Adani group at the prices mentioned.

“The last few years have seen over 4,000 acres of such pieces of land being given away at throwaway prices,” Shah said outside the House.

Shah even went on to claim that the government, even at the expense of losing high revenue, was pandering to the industrial groups that had shown a keen interest in Gujarat’s ports.