Hockey India Issues Clarification After BJP Criticised Odisha CM For Paying Rs 1.89 Crore to Salman Khan
Hockey World Cup Poster (Photo Credits: Twitter)

Bhubneshwar, November 30: After the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) criticised Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik for spending crores of money just for taking selfies with Bollywood stars and own promotion, the Hockey India in its Twitter handle has clarified the issue and said that the celebrations at the Cuttack's Barabati Stadium were financially supported by the sponsors and not by the Odisha Government.┬аOdisha Government Declares Holiday For Educational Institutions Today; Govt Offices, Bank to Remain Shut.

Countering its as some тАШmischievous media reportsтАЩ, Hockey India tweeted "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 comes after some photos of cheque of Rs 1.89 crores paid to Salman Khan by Odisha Government went viral. BJP spokesperson Lekhashree Samantsinghar made a similar comment and posted a picture of Salman Khan and Patnaik and wrote "Bachelor Party for 1.89 crores"

Sharing a photo of the fund transfer made through RTGS in her tweet, Lekhashree alleged that, тАЬThis is the fees тАШbest administratorтАЩ Naveen Patnaik has paid Salman Khan for selfie and promotion of his self-image. Someone tell Naveen this Rs 1.89 crore is our hard-earned money, not his personal property that he can give away to save his dying image.тАЭ

Meanwhile, on the other hand, the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) has asked for an apology from Lekhashree for making false statements. In a meantime, Odisha is hosting the 14th edition of Men's Hockey World Cup which is being played at Kalinga Stadium from November 28 to November 16.