The family of prominent businessman Santiago Martin, often referred to as India's "Lottery King," has made a significant shift from electoral financing to direct political power, securing key victories in the 2026 Tamil Nadu and Puducherry assembly elections. Three core family members—Martin's wife, son, and son-in-law—successfully contested and won seats under different party banners, marking a notable political rise.
This electoral success follows a period where the Martin family garnered national attention as one of the largest donors through electoral bonds. Their recent wins demonstrate a successful transition from influencing politics behind the scenes to directly holding elected office.
Key Victories Across Tamil Nadu and Puducherry
The 2026 assembly elections saw Santiago Martin's family members triumph in diverse constituencies, showcasing their broad political reach and strategic affiliations.
Leema Rose Martin: Richest Candidate's Victory
- Relationship: Wife of Santiago Martin
- Constituency: Lalgudi (Tamil Nadu)
- Party: AIADMK (All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam)
- Result: Won with 60,975 votes, a margin of 2,739 votes.
- Assets: Declared assets worth ₹5,683 crore, making her the wealthiest candidate in the Tamil Nadu election.
Jose Charles Martin: New Party's Debut Win
- Relationship: Son of Santiago Martin
- Constituency: Kamaraj Nagar (Puducherry)
- Party: Latchiya Jananayaka Katchi (LJK), a party he launched himself.
- Result: Secured a victory margin of over 10,000 votes.
- Assets: Reported assets of approximately ₹609 crore, with liabilities around ₹210 crore.
Aadhav Arjuna: Thalapathy Vijay's Party Strategist Wins
- Relationship: Son-in-law of Santiago Martin (married to Daisy Martin)
- Constituency: Villivakkam (Tamil Nadu)
- Party: TVK (Thalapathy Vijay Makkal Iyakkam), led by actor-turned-politician Vijay. Arjuna also serves as the TVK's general secretary and a key strategist.
- Result: Won his debut election with 66,445 votes, achieving a margin of more than 17,000 votes.
The collective success of the Santiago Martin family in the 2026 elections highlights a significant shift in their engagement with India's political landscape, moving from financial influence to direct representation.