In and as an integral but independent part of the bond validation proceedings under this article, or separately, the authority is given the right to and privilege of a simultaneous or separate right of action, suit, or countersuit against the Department of Agriculture for a declaratory adjudication of the validity and binding effect of all lease contracts whose rental income may be pledged or partially pledged to the benefit of any bonds being validated. In each exercise of this right, the actual controversy shall be whether or not the purported contracts contested are in all respects a good and sufficient, valid, and binding obligation of the department. Any citizens of the state may intervene in such actions and assert any ground of objection. It shall be incumbent upon the department and the Commissioner to defend against an adjudication of such validity or be forever bound unto the authority and all succeeding to the rights of the authority thereafter. Such adjudications may be rendered as an integral but independent part of the judgment upon the validation issue with which they are contested, or separately.