Chennai, Apr 8:
In a striking revelation from the ongoing Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, AIADMK candidate Leema Rose has emerged as the richest contestant in the state, declaring a staggering total family wealth of Rs 5,863 crore in her nomination affidavit. She is contesting from the Lalgudi constituency in Tiruchy district.
According to her affidavit, Leema Rose has declared movable assets worth Rs 139 crore and immovable assets valued at Rs 910 crore in her name. Her husband, businessman Martin, accounts for the bulk of the family’s wealth, with movable assets of Rs 3,262 crore and immovable assets worth Rs 887 crore.
Their son, Jose Tyson Martin, has also reported significant holdings, including Rs 225 crore in movable assets and Rs 439 crore in immovable properties.
The affidavit also details their income, with Leema Rose earning Rs 9.82 crore in the previous financial year, while her husband reported an income of Rs 11.39 crore. In terms of cash in hand, she holds Rs 5 lakh and her husband Rs 56 lakh.
The family’s wealth includes substantial investments in precious metals and gemstones. Leema Rose owns 19,233 grams of gold, 1,31,813 grams of silver, 1,217 carats of diamonds, and 32 grams of platinum. Her husband and son also possess notable quantities of gold and silver jewellery.
On the personal front, she has stated that her highest educational qualification is up to Class 6 from a government school in Thiruvana. She has also disclosed four pending criminal cases against her.
The disclosures, part of mandatory election procedures, provide insight into the financial profile of candidates and are likely to draw public attention as campaigning intensifies across the state.