Suresh Kalmadi, former Union Minister and Congress leader, passes away at 81

Senior Congress leader and former Union Minister Suresh Kalmadi passed away in Pune in the early hours of Tuesday, January 6, 2026, following a prolonged illness, family sources said.

He was 81 years old.

Sources said Mr Kalmadi breathed his last around 3.30am.

He had served as Minister of State for Railways and was a former president of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA).

Mr. Kalmadi, a leading political figure from Pune, has represented the city in the Lok Sabha many times. He held many important positions during his political career and was associated with sports administration at the national level for many years.

Leaders across party lines expressed sadness at his death and paid tribute to his contribution to public life.

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

Sources said his body will be kept at Kalmadi House in Pune’s Erandwane area until 2 pm. The funeral will be held at Vaikunth crematorium in Navi Peth at 3.30 pm.