Daijiworld Media Network - Pune

Pune, Jan 6: Senior Congress leader and former union minister Suresh Kalmadi passed away in Pune early Tuesday following a prolonged illness, family sources said. He was 81.

Kalmadi breathed his last at around 3.30 am, the sources said.

A prominent political figure from Pune, Kalmadi had served as Union Minister of State for Railways and was a former president of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA). He represented Pune multiple times in the Lok Sabha and held several key positions during his long political career. He was also closely associated with sports administration 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.

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

His mortal remains will be kept at Kalmadi House in the Erandwane area till 2 pm. The cremation will be held at Vaikunth crematorium in Navi Peth at 3.30 pm.