Former Pune MP Suresh Kalmadi Passes Away at 81 After Illness

Suresh Kalmadi, the former Union Minister and Pune MP, has died at the age of 81 after a long illness. Known for his significant contributions to Pune's development and his controversial role in the Commonwealth Games, Kalmadi's political journey spanned decades. He served multiple terms in Parliament and faced serious allegations of corruption, from which he was largely acquitted. His passing marks the end of an era in Pune's political landscape. Learn more about his life and legacy in the full article.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jan 6, 2026, 11:13 IST

Suresh Kalmadi's Legacy and Passing

Suresh Kalmadi, a former Union Minister and Member of Parliament from Pune, passed away early Tuesday at a private hospital in Pune after battling a long illness, as confirmed by his family. He was 81 years old.

Throughout his political career, Kalmadi held the position of Union Minister of State for Railways and served as the president of the Indian Olympic Association. He represented Pune in Parliament for three consecutive terms and was instrumental in initiating numerous developmental and cultural initiatives in the city.

Kalmadi first entered the Rajya Sabha in 1980 as a member of Congress (Secular) and was re-elected in 1986 and 1992. He transitioned to the Lok Sabha in 1996, securing re-election in 2004 and 2009. However, he faced defeat in the 1998 Lok Sabha elections while running as a Pune Vikas Aghadi candidate, backed by the Bharatiya Janata Party and Shiv Sena.

In 2011, Kalmadi was suspended from the Congress party following allegations of corruption related to the contracts awarded for the Commonwealth Games held in Delhi in 2010, where he served as the chairman of the organizing committee. He was arrested but later released on bail.

He faced accusations of awarding inflated contracts for the Games, including a notable Rs 141 crore deal with Swiss Timing for equipment, which he consistently denied.

Ramesh Iyer, the Congress spokesperson for Pune, stated after Kalmadi's passing that he had been acquitted in most cases associated with the alleged corruption scandal, with only one case still pending.

Kalmadi is survived by his wife, two daughters, a son, and grandchildren.

As per his office, Kalmadi's mortal remains will be available for public viewing at Kalmadi House in the Erandwane area of Pune until 2 PM, with the cremation scheduled at Vaikunth crematorium in Navi Peth at 3:30 PM.