As Sikkim gears up for national elections on April 19, the Teesta III hydroelectric project controversy takes center stage in the state's political discourse. Despite being India's smallest state, with a population of less than 700,000, Sikkim faces significant political upheaval over the fallout from the devastating flood last October, which left at least 40 people dead and caused extensive damage to property and infrastructure.

The ruling Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM) party has come under scrutiny for its handling of the Teesta III project, with accusations of corruption and mismanagement swirling around the sale of its majority stake to the Andhra Pradesh-based Greenko Group. Amidst these allegations, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has vowed to launch a central bureau of investigation (CBI) probe into the project if voted into power.

The controversy surrounding Teesta III underscores broader concerns about the state's hydropower development initiatives, which have faced criticism for their economic viability and environmental impact. Despite ambitious plans to harness Sikkim's water resources for energy generation, delays, cost overruns, and allegations of irregularities have plagued the sector, raising questions about the state government's priorities and accountability.

As political parties vie for power in the upcoming elections, the Teesta III controversy looms large, serving as a focal point for debates over governance, transparency, and the future direction of Sikkim's development agenda. With the outcome of the elections uncertain, the fate of the Teesta III project and its implications for the state's socio-economic landscape remain subjects of intense scrutiny and debate.