Ajmer, June 27:Union Minister of State for Agriculture Bhagirath Choudhary on Saturday rejected allegations surrounding a ₹99.03 lakh subsidy received for his commercial cucumber farming project, asserting that the application was submitted years before he assumed office as a Union minister.

Responding to media reports, Choudhary said he had "hidden nothing" and maintained that the subsidy was granted under a government scheme available to farmers. He added that he has been engaged in agriculture since childhood and that his farming project has been fully transparent.

"I am a farmer and have been in agriculture since my childhood days. I have not hidden anything. Thousands of farmers install polyhouses and avail subsidies, and I did the same. I had applied in 2018. I have installed a board at the site mentioning all the loans and subsidies received. I also train farmers in modern agricultural techniques and natural farming. Local officials have visited the project. So, what did I hide?" Choudhary told.

The controversy follows media reports claiming that Choudhary received financial assistance under a scheme administered by the Ministry of Agriculture, where he currently serves as Minister of State.

Earlier in the day, Congress leader Pawan Khera cited the reports and alleged a conflict of interest, claiming that Choudhary had benefited from a subsidy sanctioned under a ministry he now oversees.

In a post on X, Khera accused the BJP of double standards on corruption. "They say charity begins at home. For the BJP, subsidy begins at home," he wrote.

Referring to the reported subsidy, Khera alleged that Choudhary was "the applicant, the sanctioning authority, and the beneficiary—all rolled into one," describing the situation as more than a conflict of interest.

The Congress leader further alleged that while ordinary citizens struggle with limited welfare support, ministers and their associates are using public funds for personal benefit.

The allegations against Choudhary come amid separate political controversy involving Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav following media reports related to an alleged land dispute.

Choudhary, however, has maintained that the subsidy process was initiated well before he became a minister and that all details of the project and financial assistance have been publicly disclosed.