The most discussed person in the local body electioneering in Kerala is not a politician but a lottery tycoon, Santiago Martin. Indian law enforcement agencies say Martin is the kingpin of an illegal lottery trade worth thousands of crores. But that apart, a ban on lotteries and a lottery case in the state High Court have become the prime issues in the latest political campaigns. So, though he’s persona non-grata for all the major political parties, Martin has become a household name in Kerala thanks to the free “publicity” on local TV channels by Thomas Issac, the state’s finance minister, Ommen Chandy, the opposition leader, Ramesh Chennithala, local Congress Chief and V D Satheesan, a Congress MLA.
Top Section
Explore Business Standard