PUNE, Jan 6: Senior Congress leader and former Union Minister Suresh Kalmadi passed away early Tuesday in Pune after 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, he represented the city several times in the Lok Sabha and played an influential role in national politics.
During his political career, Kalmadi served as Union Minister of State for Railways and also held several other key responsibilities. He was closely associated with sports administration and served as president of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) for many years.
Leaders across party lines expressed grief over his demise and paid tributes to his contribution to public life and sports administration.
Kalmadi is survived by his wife, son and daughter-in-law, two married daughters, a son-in-law, and grandchildren.
His mortal remains will be kept at Kalmadi House in the Erandwane area here till 2 pm. The cremation will take place at Vaikunth crematorium in Navi Peth at 3.30 pm, sources said. (Agencies)
