Pune: Suresh Kalmadi, a senior Congress politician and former Union minister, passed away in Pune in the early hours of Tuesday after battling a long illness. He was 81, according to family members.
Kalmadi died at around 3.30 am at his residence, bringing to an end a public career that spanned several decades and left a lasting imprint on both politics and sports administration in India.
A well-known face in Maharashtra’s political landscape, Kalmadi represented Pune in the Lok Sabha on multiple occasions. During his time in Parliament, he served as Minister of State for Railways and held various organisational roles within the Congress party.
Beyond electoral politics, Kalmadi was deeply involved in sports governance. He served as president of the Indian Olympic Association and remained associated with national-level sports administration for many years, making him a prominent figure in the country’s sporting circles.
News of his passing drew condolences from leaders across the political spectrum, who remembered him for his long public service and influence in civic and national affairs.
Kalmadi is survived by his wife, a son and daughter-in-law, two daughters and a son-in-law, along with several grandchildren.
Family sources said his mortal remains will be kept at Kalmadi House in Pune’s Erandwane locality until 2 pm to allow people to pay their respects. The final rites are scheduled to be performed at the Vaikunth crematorium in Navi Peth at 3.30 pm.
