Santiago Martin’s Son Critiques Brother-in-Law Over BJP Remarks
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Synopsis
A public dispute has erupted within the family of Santiago Martin, the 'Lottery King' of South India. Jose Charles Martin condemned his brother-in-law's comments against BJP leader K. Annamalai, accusing him of political greed and misusing family wealth. The ongoing legal investigation into their business further complicates the family's tumultuous situation.
Key Takeaways
- Family Feud: Jose Charles Martin distances himself from brother-in-law Aadhav Arjuna.
- Strong Denunciation: Jose criticizes Aadhav's remarks against K. Annamalai.
- Political Greed: Allegations of Aadhav misusing family wealth for personal gain.
- Legal Scrutiny: Santiago Martin's business faces ongoing investigations.
- Political Donations: Future Gaming's significant contributions to various political parties.
Chennai, April 1 (NationPress) In a dramatic and highly public fallout, a rift has emerged within the family of South India’s Lottery King Santiago Martin.
His son, Jose Charles Martin, has issued a strongly-worded public statement condemning his brother-in-law, Aadhav Arjuna, for making derogatory remarks against Tamil Nadu BJP president K. Annamalai.
Aadhav Arjuna, who holds the position of General Secretary (Election Campaign Management) of Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK), reportedly made unparliamentary comments about Annamalai during a recent party general council meeting.
The remarks have ignited significant controversy and widespread outrage.
In response to the situation, Jose Charles Martin took to social media to distance himself and his family from Aadhav’s statements.
In a clear and assertive message, Jose stated: “I strongly object to and apologize for Aadhav Arjuna’s unparliamentary statement against Tamil Nadu BJP President Thiru K. Annamalai, who is tirelessly working for the welfare of the people of Tamil Nadu.”
“I also support the claim that Aadhav is misusing his father-in-law’s money — which is my father’s money — thereby damaging our family’s reputation and creating unnecessary issues.”
He further accused Aadhav Arjuna of aligning with various political parties for personal gain, particularly highlighting his association with political strategist Prashant Kishor.
Jose Martin characterized Aadhav’s actions as driven by political and financial greed.
Clarifying his stance, Jose added: “I am in no way connected to his stupidity, and if any consequences arise from his actions, I will take all necessary legal steps to protect my name and reputation.”
The ongoing feud has not only stirred political circles but has also put the Martin family and its controversial business empire under scrutiny.
Santiago Martin, widely known as the Lottery King, commands a vast fortune through his company, Future Gaming & Hotel Services Pvt. Ltd., which reportedly has an annual turnover of Rs 15,000 crore.
However, the family’s wealth has long been under investigation. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has been looking into Santiago Martin and his company since 2014. The investigation has led to the attachment of assets worth over Rs 1,000 crore, with the Kochi zonal unit seizing properties valued at Rs 622 crore and the Kolkata unit Rs 409 crore. These assets are suspected to be linked to the proceeds of crime.
The ED investigation stems from multiple FIRs, the first of which was filed by the CBI in 2014, followed by two more by the Kolkata Police in 2022. In 2024, the Meghalaya government lodged a fresh FIR, alleging that illegal lottery sales by Martin’s business caused a loss of Rs 1,500 crore to the state exchequer.
Recent investigations revealed that the company had been a major donor to political parties through electoral bonds.
Between 2019 and 2024, Future Gaming contributed a staggering Rs 1,368 crore to various political parties. The Trinamool Congress was the largest recipient, receiving Rs 542 crore. Other major parties such as the BJP, DMK, YSRCP, and Congress also received substantial donations.
As the political and legal scrutiny intensifies, the Martin family’s internal disputes have added another layer of complexity to an already explosive mix of money, politics, and power.
