In a data release by the Election Commission, Future Gaming and Hotels, helmed by Santiago Martin, alias ‘Lottery Martin’, emerged as the top buyer of electoral bonds, purchasing bonds worth Rs 1,300 crore between 2019 and 2024.
A Look at the Data Dump
While the ruling BJP and the Congress party received substantial donations, with the BJP leading at over Rs 6,000 crore, the disclosed data merely reveals the amounts donated by entities or individuals without specifying the recipient party.
Hailing from Myanmar, Martin transformed his fortunes by capitalising on the lottery frenzy, particularly the two-digit lottery trend. Starting his foray into the lottery business at the tender age of 13, Martin swiftly established an extensive marketing network spanning across India. Operating under subsidiaries like Martin Karnataka and Martin Sikkim Lottery, his firm Future operates in multiple states, employing over 1,000 individuals where lotteries are legal.
Legal Entanglements and Expansions
Despite his success, Martin’s journey has been marred by legal controversies. Accused of financial irregularities and tax evasion, he faced multiple raids and investigations by various state and central agencies. Despite these challenges, Martin diversified his business interests beyond lotteries, venturing into sectors like education, media, and real estate.
Legal Proceedings and Supreme Court Hearings
As the Election Commission seeks modifications in the Supreme Court’s electoral bonds case order, legal battles continue. Additionally, a separate petition challenging the exclusion of the Chief Justice of India from a panel for selecting election commissioners is scheduled for a hearing, reflecting the ongoing legal intricacies surrounding electoral processes.
In essence, the rise of Future Gaming and Hotels as a major purchaser of electoral bonds sheds light on the complexities and controversies surrounding political funding in India, underlining the need for transparency and accountability in electoral finance mechanisms.
