Pune, Jan 6: Former Union Minister and senior Congress leader Suresh Kalmadi passed away at the age of 81 in the early hours of Tuesday, January 6.

According to an official statement from his office, Kalmadi, who had been battling a prolonged illness, was receiving treatment at Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital in Pune. He died around 3:30 am.

Kalmadi, a prominent political figure and former Member of Parliament for Pune, also served as the Minister of State for Railways and the President of the Indian Olympic Association. He is survived by his wife, a married son, daughter-in-law, two married daughters, son-in-law, and grandchildren.

The late leader’s body will be kept at his residence, Kalmadi House in Erandwane, Pune, until 2:00 PM. His last rites will take place at Vaikunth Smashanbhumi in Navi Peth, Pune, at 3:30 PM, as per the family’s statement.