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Leema Rose Martin, wife of lottery baron Santiago Martin, has resigned from the Indhiya Jananayaga Katchi (IJK) after a 14-year association, head of the 2026 Assembly elections
Leema Rose Martin has not yet disclosed her next political move, but speculation is already gathering pace. (Facebook/Dr. Leema Rose Martin)
When the phrase “Lottery King” is mentioned, it may not immediately evoke images of electoral politics. Yet, the rising currents in the Tamil Nadu‘s political landscape appear closely tied to this powerful business empire. The family once known for distributing crores to political parties through electoral bonds is now preparing to step directly into the electoral arena, with one of its most prominent faces poised to take the plunge.
Leema Rose Martin, wife of lottery baron Santiago Martin, has resigned from the Indhiya Jananayaga Katchi (IJK) after a 14-year association, delivering what many see as a significant jolt to the party ahead of the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. She had been serving as the Joint General Secretary and was considered an influential figure within the organisation.
Sources suggest her resignation followed an incident at a public event where she was reportedly not given a place on stage, leaving her feeling slighted. However, political observers believe the episode may only have been the trigger rather than the core reason. Many view her departure as part of a broader, calculated strategy by the Martin family to extend its footprint across multiple political platforms.
Leema Rose Martin has not yet disclosed her next political move, but speculation is already gathering pace. Her son, Jose Charles Martin, recently floated a party named Lachiya Jananayaga Katchi (LJK) in Puducherry, and there is strong talk that the outfit could soon be launched on a wider scale in neighbouring regions as well.
Fuel was added to the speculation after Leema Rose Martin’s recent meeting with AIADMK chief Edappadi K Palaniswami. Political circles are abuzz with the possibility that she may contest from the Thiruvadanai constituency in Ramanathapuram district on an AIADMK ticket. She is not an unfamiliar face in the area, having been involved in sustained social work through the Martin Foundation.
The family’s presence in politics is already spread across parties. Her son-in-law, Adhav Arjun, holds a senior position in actor Vijay’s newly launched political outfit, Tamizhaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK), indicating a wide political outreach that cuts across party lines.
The Martin Group’s annual lottery turnover is estimated at around Rs 15,000 crore, and Santiago Martin has also drawn attention for political funding, with reports indicating donations amounting to Rs 1,368 crore to various parties through electoral bonds over the past five years.
Political analysts believe that by positioning family members across different parties, the business group may be attempting to safeguard its commercial interests while ensuring continued access and influence, regardless of which formation comes to power.
In Thiruvadanai, Leema Rose Martin has steadily built a base through philanthropic initiatives, including the Martin Foundation and the Leema Rose Martin Health Centre. If she enters the fray from the constituency, she is likely to campaign not only as a businesswoman but as a social worker with established local connections, a factor that could complicate electoral equations for established players like the DMK and AIADMK.
February 12, 2026, 17:30 IST
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