Lottery Firm Gives 260 Crore Rupees to Major Parties in Tamil Nadu

A lottery company based in Kolkata has given 260 crore rupees in political donations to the main political parties in Tamil Nadu for the current financial year. Details submitted to the Election Commission show that Tiger Associates, led by Santiago Martin, gave this massive sum to both parties. This amount is double what the firm gave to all political parties combined in the previous year.

Donation Breakdown

Out of the total funds provided by the company, the AIADMK received 135 crore rupees and the DMK received 125 crore rupees. This single company accounts for 81 percent of all donations received by the AIADMK and 65 percent of the total donations received by the DMK. In the previous financial year of 2024-25, the firm gave a combined amount of 110 crore rupees to these two parties.

Family Ties

Santiago Martin has close ties with major political leaders in Tamil Nadu, and three members of his family are involved with different political groups. His wife Leemarose is in the AIADMK, while his son-in-law Adhav Arjuna serves in the TVK government. In addition, Martin's son Jose Charles founded a political party in Puducherry during the previous elections, won a seat, and entered the assembly.

Context

Political funding in India often involves substantial contributions from corporate entities and business groups to major political parties. The Election Commission tracks these financial details through mandatory disclosures submitted by parties to ensure transparency in election expenses and funding sources.