The Festival Director had later said that the statement was incorrect.
"We will inquire with I&B ministry who gave such a statement," said Vishnu Wagh, vice chairman, Entertainment Society (ESG) of Goa, today.
ESG, a state funded agency, is co-host of the festival which would be kickstarted on November 20.
Press Information Bureau's Additional Director General K M Ravindran told reporters in Chennai yesterday that President Pranab Mukherjee will be inaugurating the festival.
Today, Mohan told PTI that it was only a rumour.