HWC event funding sparks row

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Bhubaneswar: When the state is celebrating successful organisation of Odisha Men’s Hockey World Cup inaugural events in twin cities, politics over funding for the events surfaced Thursday.
State BJP leader Lekhashree Samantsinghar made a series of tweets targeting the BJD government while Hockey India and ruling BJD clarified that the events were sponsored.
Without knowing who has funded the inaugural events in Bhubaneswar and Cuttack, the BJP leader slammed the state government assuming the state has spent crores of rupees for the events to save its dying image.
Soon after the tweet, Hockey India in its tweet said, “Would like to 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 government of Odisha.”
When the Hockey India clarified, the BJP leader started criticising the organiser also. “Has @TheHockeyIndia India kept an arm’s length relationship with Odisha Govt? Then why all the event management contracts are floated by sports department of Odisha? Will Hockey India make it’s relationship with Odisha Govt. Public?” she asked.
BJD leader Sulochana Das also clarified that state government has not funded for the events. She demanded an unconditional apology from Samantsinghar for making such false allegations against the BJD government.
“We demand her apology for insulting the state, the Chief Minister and Biju Babu. Her immaturity and spite on the success of the show are clearly reflected through this derogatory tweet. She has portrayed the Odisha in a bad light for political reasons,” she added.