The State Bank of India, responding to the Supreme Court’s scrutiny, provided key information that has stirred a new wave of interest. Making the list of organisations that bought electoral bonds for political donations public, the Election Commission revealed on Thursday that Future Gaming and Hotel Services Private Limited led the charge with the most substantial contributions. This organisation is spearheaded by none other than Santiago Martin, widely known as the “Lottery King.”
The story of Santiago Martin is one of dreams, controversies, and unparalleled political drama. Martin’s life journey from a laborer in Myanmar to becoming the charismatic “Lottery King” defies conventional narratives. Despite his humble origins, he gained fame and notoriety for his adept navigation through India’s complex political landscape and his unique approach to selling dreams and fortunes via lotteries. As per the Election Commission’s records, Martin’s company acquired electoral bonds amounting to an astonishing Rs 1,368 crore between April 2019 and January 2024.
Martin’s name has become synonymous with controversy and curiosity, especially in South Indian business spheres. At 59, his intriguing journey began far from the glitter and influence he holds today. Born into modest circumstances, he left Myanmar and eventually landed in Coimbatore, India. It was here in 1988 that he laid the foundation of his business empire with the establishment of Martin Lottery Agencies Ltd. This was the era when the local population was swept by what could be termed a “two-digit lottery mania,” which played a critical role in branding him “Lottery Martin.”
After solidifying his hold in Coimbatore, Martin expanded his operations to Karnataka and Kerala, subsequently securing licenses to operate his lottery business in Sikkim, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Punjab, and Maharashtra. His empire, built on the aspirations and dreams of ordinary people, brought him immense wealth and influence.
. However, Martin’s business activities quickly drew him into the web of political scandal, notably in Kerala, a state where the lottery holds a profound psychological and financial influence over the populous.
The first major scandal erupted in 2008 when Martin, already accused of siphoning off over Rs 4,500 crore from the Sikkim government, came into the limelight for donating two crore rupees to Deshabhimani, the mouthpiece of the CPI(M) party in Kerala. This generous donation raised numerous eyebrows and highlighted his deep entanglements with political entities.
Despite his significant social and economic influence, Martin’s business hasn’t been free from scrutiny. Since 2019, his company has been under investigation by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) for potential violations of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). In a major development, May 2023 saw the ED conducting extensive raids at multiple locations in Chennai and Coimbatore, further intensifying the saga.
The ED’s investigation is heavily informed by a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) charge sheet. According to officials familiar with the case, the charge sheet alleges that Martin’s company illegally marketed lotteries meant for the government of Sikkim within Kerala, thereby violating multiple regulatory norms.
As one of the most controversial figures in the South Indian business community, the story of Santiago Martin encapsulates the dizzying highs and precarious lows of a man who built his fortune on the dreams and hopes of everyday people. His path from an obscure laborer to a magnate embroiled in political scandals serves as a captivating tale of ambition, intrigue, and influence in modern India.
In conclusion, Santiago Martin’s life and career vividly illustrate the intricate interplay between business acumen and political maneuvering. His significant contributions via electoral bonds signify his continued influence and active participation in the political domain. As investigations proceed, how the story of the “Lottery King” unfolds remains a matter of significant public interest.
