AIADMK's Leema Rose Martin Emerges as Tamil Nadu's Wealthiest Election Candidate
In a stunning revelation from the election nomination papers, AIADMK candidate Leema Rose Martin, contesting from the Lalgudi assembly constituency in Trichy district, has declared total assets worth a staggering Rs 1,049.5 crores. This declaration establishes her as the richest candidate in the ongoing Tamil Nadu elections, surpassing the declared wealth of all chief ministerial contenders in the state.
Financial Profile of the Affluent Candidate
The 58-year-old candidate, who holds a Class VI pass from a government higher secondary school in Thiruvadanai near Ramanathapuram district, has reported an annual income of Rs 9.8 crores for the financial year 2024-25. Her husband, the prominent lottery baron Santiago Martin, declared an income of Rs 11.3 crores for the same period. Martin is widely recognized for his substantial donations to various political parties across India.
Their son, Jose Daison Martin, has reported an even higher annual income of Rs 19.5 crores, highlighting the family's significant financial standing.
Detailed Breakdown of Assets
According to the comprehensive 159-page poll affidavit, Leema Rose Martin's movable assets are valued at Rs 139.6 crores, while her immovable assets amount to Rs 909.9 crores. In comparison, her husband Santiago Martin's movable assets are valued at an astonishing Rs 3,262 crores, with immovable assets worth Rs 887.3 crores.
The AIADMK candidate has diversified her investments across multiple sectors, including:
- Real estate
- Merchandise
- Gaming
- Hotel services
Property Holdings and Vehicle Portfolio
Leema Rose Martin, a resident of GN Mills in Coimbatore, owns immovable properties in several districts across Tamil Nadu:
- Coimbatore
- Madurai
- Trichy
- Tiruppur
- Sivaganga
Notably, she also possesses agricultural lands in Singhola village, approximately 40 kilometers north of New Delhi, and in Nedumbassery, located in Kerala's Ernakulam district.
In a curious parallel with TVK leader and actor-politician Vijay, who is also contesting the Tamil Nadu assembly elections, Leema Rose Martin and her husband own three TVS XL mopeds. The candidate's personal vehicle collection includes only three cars:
- Hyundai Creta
- Mahindra Thar
- Maruti Dzire
Her husband Santiago Martin's garage features a Lexus LX 570, a BMW 530D, and a 1991-registered Maruti car. Their son, Jose Daison Martin, owns three Royal Enfield motorcycles.
Legal Challenges and Background
The wealthy candidate currently faces four pending criminal cases filed against her, adding a layer of complexity to her political campaign. Despite these legal challenges, her substantial asset declaration has positioned her as a prominent figure in the Tamil Nadu electoral landscape, drawing significant attention to the financial dimensions of political candidacy in the state.
