Former Union Minister Suresh Kalmadi Passes Away In Pune At 81

PUNE – Suresh Kalmadi, the veteran Congress leader and former Union Minister, passed away on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, following a prolonged illness. He was 81 years old. Kalmadi had been receiving treatment at the Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital in Pune, where he breathed his last earlier this morning.

According to an official statement from his office, his mortal remains will be kept at Kalmadi House in Pune’s Erandwane area for public viewing until 2:00 PM. The final rites and cremation are scheduled to take place at the Vaikunth Crematorium at 3:30 PM today.

A Career of Highs and Lows

Kalmadi was a towering figure in Pune’s political landscape and a central player in Indian sports administration for decades. However, his legacy remains a complex tapestry of significant achievement and controversial legal battles.

• Political Stature: He served as the Union Minister of State for Railways and was elected to the Lok Sabha from the Pune constituency multiple times.
• Sports Leadership: Kalmadi held the prestigious position of President of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) for several years, becoming the face of Indian sports on the global stage.
• The 2010 Commonwealth Games: He famously served as the Chairman of the Organizing Committee for the Delhi 2010 Commonwealth Games. While the event was a massive logistical undertaking, it was marred by allegations of large-scale financial irregularities.

The CWG Controversy

Kalmadi’s career took a sharp turn following the 2010 Games. He was accused of inflating contracts and misusing public funds, leading to charges under the Prevention of Corruption Act.

• Arrest: In April 2011, he was arrested by the CBI.
• Political Fallout: Following his arrest, the Congress party suspended him, marking the end of his active political dominance.

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

Timeline: Life of Suresh Kalmadi