Congress Leader and Former Union Minister Suresh Kalmadi Passes Away in Pune

Senior Congress leader and former Union Minister Suresh Kalmadi passed away early Tuesday morning at his residence in Pune following a prolonged illness. He was 81. Kalmadi breathed his last at around 3:30 am, family sources confirmed.

His mortal remains will be kept for public viewing at Kalmadi House in Erandwane until 2 pm on Tuesday. The last rites will be performed later in the day at 3:30 pm at the Vaikunth Crematorium in Navi Peth, Pune.

Leaders across political parties expressed deep grief over his demise, remembering him as a significant public figure who left a lasting impact on politics and sports administration.

Kalmadi is survived by his wife, son, daughter-in-law, two married daughters and sons-in-law, and grandchildren.

A Life in Public Service

Suresh Kalmadi was a towering personality who carved a unique place for himself in Indian politics and sports administration. A former Union Minister of State for Railways and ex-president of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), he remained an influential figure for several decades.

A prominent leader from Pune, Kalmadi represented the city multiple times in the Lok Sabha and held several key positions during his long political career. He was widely regarded as one of Pune’s most powerful leaders and was often described as a political “kingmaker” in the region.

From Pilot to Politician

Kalmadi’s journey was both remarkable and unconventional. He began his professional career as a pilot in the Indian Air Force before entering politics. Over the years, he served multiple terms as a Member of Parliament and held ministerial responsibilities at the Centre. His contributions played a notable role in shaping Pune’s infrastructure and development, earning him enduring recognition in the city.

Role in Indian Sports

A passionate sports administrator, Kalmadi served as the president of the Indian Olympic Association for many years. His most high-profile tenure came during the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi. While the event later became mired in controversies that affected his political standing, he was also credited with bringing unprecedented attention to sports infrastructure and elevating India’s presence on the global sporting stage.

Suresh Kalmadi’s passing marks the end of an era in Pune’s political landscape and Indian sports administration.

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