A Patriarch's Twilight Battle: Deve Gowda Faces BMIC Legal Challenge at 91

Imagine the weariness, the sheer weight of it all. At 91 years young, H.D. Deve Gowda, the venerable patriarch of the JD(S) and a former Prime Minister of India, finds himself unexpectedly dragged back into the thick of a legal battle. It's the long-standing Bangalore-Mysore Infrastructure Corridor (BMIC) project case, and a special court has now issued summons, formally making him a party. One can only imagine the sigh that must have escaped him.

Speaking with a palpable sense of dismay, he candidly admitted feeling a deep sadness, almost a resignation, at having to confront such allegations at this twilight stage of his life. "It pains me immensely," he reportedly said, highlighting how this particular project, the BMIC, has shadowed his political journey for decades. He even recalled the Supreme Court's clear affirmation of the original Framework Agreement between the Karnataka government and Nandi Infrastructure Corridor Enterprises (NICE) back in 1997. And let's not forget, previous complaints against him personally were not only quashed by the High Court but also firmly upheld by the apex court.

So, what's different this time? Well, this fresh legal skirmish stems from a private complaint lodged by social activist T.J. Abraham. The core of the new allegations revolves around alleged irregularities in the land acquisition process for the massive corridor project itself. It's a complex web, isn't it? One might wonder why, after so many years and so many legal clearances, this particular thread is being pulled again.

But make no mistake, despite the evident weariness, the former Prime Minister is far from defeated. He's pledged to face this challenge head-on, promising not just to defend himself but to, in his words, "expose those who are behind it." There's a strong hint, naturally, of political machinations at play – a subtle suggestion that this isn't just about justice, but perhaps about settling old scores or creating new ripples in the political landscape. "I will not let it go easily," he seemed to convey, "I will reveal the true colours of those instigating this."

Indeed, throughout his long and distinguished career, Deve Gowda has often positioned himself as a steadfast guardian of Karnataka's interests, particularly when it comes to vital resources like land and water. One immediately thinks of his unwavering stand on the contentious Cauvery issue, a fight he has championed tirelessly. This current legal battle, therefore, touches upon a deeper nerve, challenging not just his actions but, in a way, his entire legacy as a protector of his home state.

So, as the special court for MPs and MLAs cases prepares to hear the arguments, an almost poignant image emerges: a nonagenarian statesman, who once helmed the nation, now bracing himself for yet another protracted legal tussle. It's a testament, perhaps, to the enduring complexities of Indian politics and the relentless nature of public life, where even the oldest battles can, it seems, find new life. It will certainly be a keenly watched legal and political drama unfold.