Former Union Minister Suresh Kalmadi Passes Away at 82

Senior politician and former Union Minister Suresh Kalmadi passed away in Pune at the age of 82 after a prolonged illness. A prominent political figure from Maharashtra, he played an important role in national politics and sports administration for several decades. His passing marks the end of a long public career spanning Parliament, government, and sports institutions.

Why in the News?

Former Union Minister Suresh Kalmadi passed away in Pune at the age of 82. He was a veteran leader who served as a Union Minister and also headed the Indian Olympic Association.

Political Career and Parliamentary Journey

• Suresh Kalmadi was a seasoned politician from Pune and represented the city multiple times in the Lok Sabha.
• Known for his strong local connect, he remained an influential political figure in Maharashtra for many years.
• His parliamentary career reflected his ability to remain electorally relevant across different political phases and national developments.

Role as Union Minister

• During the tenure of former Prime Minister P V Narasimha Rao, Suresh Kalmadi served as the Minister of State for Railways.
• In this role, he was associated with policy and administrative matters related to one of India’s most critical public sector institutions.
• His ministerial tenure placed him at the centre of infrastructure and transport-related governance.

Association with Sports Administration

• Apart from politics, Kalmadi was widely known for his role as the President of the Indian Olympic Association.
• He was a key figure in Indian sports administration for several years.
• His involvement reflected the growing intersection of politics and sports governance in India during the late 20th and early 21st centuries.

Legacy and Significance

• Suresh Kalmadi’s long public life left a mark on parliamentary politics, railway administration, and sports governance.
• While opinions on his career varied, his influence in Pune and at the national level remained significant.
• His death marks the passing of a generation of politicians active during a transformative period in India’s political history.

Key Summary At Glance

Question

Q. Suresh Kalmadi served as Minister of State for Railways during the tenure of which Prime Minister?

A. Atal Bihari Vajpayee
B. Manmohan Singh
C. P V Narasimha Rao
D. H D Deve Gowda