📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Diego Delso
Politics
Santiago Martin’s Lottery Firm Pledges ₹260 Crore to Tamil Nadu Parties DMK and AIADMK
✍️ India Today
🗓 16 Oct 2026, 09:32 PM
👁 11
A firm linked to lottery magnate Santiago Martin has donated ₹260 crore to the Tamil Nadu parties DMK and AIADMK.
A firm associated with lottery king Santiago Martin has announced a donation of ₹260 crore to the two major political parties in Tamil Nadu, the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK). The donation was made in a joint ceremony held in Chennai, with party leaders from both sides accepting the funds.
The company, which operates in the state’s lottery business, has not disclosed its name in the press release. Sources say the move is part of a broader strategy to strengthen ties with influential political figures in the region.
Political analysts note that such large donations are not uncommon in Tamil Nadu, where parties often seek financial support from business entities. The amount, equivalent to roughly $30 million, is among the largest single contributions received by the parties in recent years.
Both DMK and AIADMK have stated that the funds will be used for party activities, including election campaigns and welfare programs. The donation has sparked discussions about the influence of private wealth in state politics.
The company, which operates in the state’s lottery business, has not disclosed its name in the press release. Sources say the move is part of a broader strategy to strengthen ties with influential political figures in the region.
Political analysts note that such large donations are not uncommon in Tamil Nadu, where parties often seek financial support from business entities. The amount, equivalent to roughly $30 million, is among the largest single contributions received by the parties in recent years.
Both DMK and AIADMK have stated that the funds will be used for party activities, including election campaigns and welfare programs. The donation has sparked discussions about the influence of private wealth in state politics.