Countering some ‘mischievous media reports’, Hockey India tweeted in this regard.
Hockey India
✔@TheHockeyIndia
HI would like to heartily thank all who have supported us for love of Hockey. In response to some mischievous media reports, we clarify, that the opening ceremony in BBSR and celebrations in Cuttack are financially supported by sponsors of Hockey India and not by Govt. of Odisha.
The clarification came hours after some photos of a cheque of Rs 1.89 crore paid to actor Salman Khan, who was invited to the celebrations in Cuttack, made the rounds in social media with a claim that the amount was paid to him by the State Government.
BJP spokesperson Lekhashree Samantsinghar also made similar claims posting the photos on Twitter and criticised Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik.
Lekha Samantsinghar@DrLekhaShreeThis is d fees our “best administrator” shameless @Naveen_Odisha has paid Salman Khan fr selfie & promotion f his self image. Someone tell Naveen this is Rs 1.89 crores of our hardearned money not his father’s property dat he can give away 2 save his dying image #WorthlessNaveen
Prasanta Patnaik