PUNE, Jan 6: Senior Congress leader and former Union Minister Suresh Kalmadi passed away early Tuesday morning in Pune following a prolonged illness, family sources said. He was 81.
Kalmadi breathed his last at around 3.30 am, the sources added.
A prominent political figure from Pune, Kalmadi served as Union Minister of State for Railways and represented the city multiple times in the Lok Sabha. Over a long political career, he held several key positions and remained an influential face in Maharashtra politics.
Apart from his political role, Kalmadi was closely associated with sports administration and served as the President of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), playing a significant role at the national level for many years.
Leaders cutting across party lines expressed grief over his demise and paid tribute to his contributions to public life and public service.
Kalmadi is survived by his wife, a son and daughter in law, two married daughters, a son-in-law, and grandchildren.
According to family sources, his mortal remains will be kept at Kalmadi House in Pune’s Erandwane area till 2 pm. The cremation will take place at the Vaikunth crematorium in Navi Peth at 3.30 pm.