On Tuesday morning, senior Congress leader and former Union Minister Suresh Kalmadi passed away at the age of 81. He had been suffering from a prolonged illness. According to family sources, his last rites will be conducted at the Vaikunth Dham crematorium in Pune at 3 PM.
Kalmadi had resigned from his ministerial position following the Commonwealth Games scandal where his name had surfaced. This controversy sparked nationwide debates and political upheaval at the time.
Suresh Kalmadi is survived by his wife, son, daughter-in-law, two married daughters, their spouses, and grandchildren.
Who was Suresh Kalmadi?
Senior Congress leader Suresh Kalmadi was among the prominent leaders known for having a good rapport with the party high command. He served as the Minister of State for Railways and was also the President of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA).
A popular political leader from Pune, Kalmadi was elected several times to the Lok Sabha from the city. He played numerous roles in public life and was involved in sports administration at the national level for many years.
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However, questions arose regarding his tenure at the IOA during the 2010 Commonwealth Games corruption case, and he was charged under the Prevention of Corruption Act for alleged fund misappropriation. He was arrested in April 2011, after which he was suspended from the Congress party.
