Leema

The chairman post had remained vacant, and the chief minister issued orders appointing Krishnan to head the board for implementing its various welfare schemes and housing initiatives.

His wife switched from IJK to AIADMK ahead of the assembly polls and won. His son launched his own party, won his seat, and allied with the BJP-ANRC in Puducherry. And his son-in-law shifted from DMK to VCK and later TVK, and is now a minister in Tamil Nadu

Even as several incumbent DMK ministers, former ADMK ministers, and star candidates are losing their safe seats and stronghold, Leema with a declared net assets at Rs 1,049.5 crore as per her poll nomination papers is maintaining substantial lead in all rounds of vote counting on Monday.

Lottery tycoon Santiago Martin's family achieved electoral success in the 2026 polls. His wife, Leema Rose, secured victory in Lalgudi, Tamil Nadu, becoming the state's richest MLA. Son-in-law Aadhav Arjuna won in Chennai's Villivakkam, while elder son Jose Charles Martin triumphed in Puducherry's Kamaraj Nagar constituency.

I'll be the only power centre, says Vijay after taking oath as TN CM

Leemarose Martin of All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam won the Lalgudi constituency with a margin of 2739 votes. She garnered 60795 votes, while Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) candidate KU PA Krishnan came second with 58056 votes.

In a strategic move, Congress has extended a conditional olive branch to C Joseph Vijay's TVK party, which is just 10 seats shy of securing the reins of power in Tamil Nadu. This support is contingent upon TVK distancing itself from communal forces within the NDA.

Tamil Nadu's new assembly boasts increased diversity with 25 minority, 50 SC/ST, and 23 women representatives. TVK party is credited with breaking caste and religious barriers by fielding Dalit candidates in general constituencies, with several securing victories. This marks a significant shift from traditional candidate selection practices.

In a stunning shift, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam has transformed Tamil Nadu's political dynamics, relegating the DMK to the opposition role and leaving the AIADMK trailing in third place. This new political force has made substantial strides in regions traditionally dominated by Dravidian parties, especially shaking up DMK's influence in the northern districts and the south's 'thevar belt'.

Actor-turned-politician Vijay's TVK party has dramatically reshaped Tamil Nadu's political landscape, emerging as a strong third pole in its debut Assembly election. Winning 106 seats, TVK surpassed both the DMK (60 seats) and ADMK (47 seats), marking a significant shift from previous election results and altering the state's political dynamics.

AIADMK's Lalgudi candidate, Leema Rose Martin, wife of lottery magnate Santiago Martin, has declared staggering assets of over Rs 1,049 crore, making her the wealthiest contender in Tamil Nadu. Her affidavit reveals substantial investments across various sectors, including real estate and gaming. Despite her immense wealth, she possesses modest personal vehicles and faces four pending criminal cases.

Tamil Nadu's intense election campaign has concluded. The M K Stalin-led Secular Progressive Alliance has an edge. Edappadi K Palaniswami's National Democratic Alliance is a contender. Actor Vijay's TVK could influence the outcome. The election hinges on governance, identity, and federalism debates. Voters await the final decision.

In a surprising twist in Tamil Nadu's assembly elections, Leema Rose Martin, the AIADMK candidate from Lalgudi and spouse of lottery tycoon Santiago Martin, has reported a staggering wealth of Rs 1,049.5 crore. This declaration positions her as the richest candidate in the race. Her financial disclosures include hefty investments in real estate, gaming ventures, and the hospitality industry.

Leema Rose Martin, AIADMK's Lalgudi candidate, is the wealthiest contender in the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. She declared assets totaling approximately Rs 1,049.56 crore. Her affidavit reveals significant movable and immovable properties. Martin's husband and son also have substantial declared assets. The candidate faces pending criminal cases, some related to tax and money laundering investigations.

A 'local versus outsider' debate is intensifying in Tamil Nadu constituencies as parties field candidates from outside their native areas. This has sparked internal party dissent and criticism from opponents, questioning candidates' connect with local issues. Prominent figures like V Senthil Balaji and Vijay are facing this narrative, while some 'outsiders' are finding acceptance.