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Vijay Rupani is no more
Shri Vijay Rupani, former Chief Minister of Gujarat and veteran BJP leader, tragically lost his life on 12 June 2025, at the age of 68, in the catastrophic crash of Air India Flight AI-171 shortly after take-off from Ahmedabad airport. Born in Rangoon (now Yangon), Burma, on 2 August 1956, Shri Rupani and his family relocated to Rajkot amid political unrest. He earned a BA and LLB from Saurashtra University, and began his political journey in student activism and the RSS, enduring imprisonment during the Emergency.
Shri Rupani steadily rose through the ranks: as Rajkot corporator (1987), mayor (1996–97), Rajya Sabha MP (2006–12), and Gujarat cabinet minister (2014), handling portfolios including Transport, Water Supply, Labour, and Employment. He remained Chief Minister of Gujarat from August 2016, to September 2021. Known for his calm demeanour, affable personality, and disciplined integrity, Rupani left an indelible impact on Gujarat’s governance—steering the state through the challenges of the COVID‑19 pandemic and initiating measures to enhance its ease of living. He is survived by his wife, Anjali, son Rushabh, and daughter Radhika.
PM Shri Narendra Modi, who shared a long working relationship with Shri Rupani, remembered him as “humble and hardworking,” praising his dedication and service to Gujarat. Prime Minister met Vijaybhai Rupani’s family and offered condolences. He said via X “ It is unimaginable that Vijaybhai is not in our midst. I’ve known him for decades. We worked together, shoulder to shoulder, including during some of the most challenging times. Vijaybhai was humble and hardworking, firmly committed to the Party’s ideology. Rising up the ranks, he held various responsibilities in the Organisation and went on to serve diligently as Gujarat’s Chief Minister.”
Prime Minister also visited the crash site in Ahmedabad. He informed via X, “The scene of devastation is saddening. Met officials and teams working tirelessly in the aftermath. Our thoughts remain with those who lost their loved ones in this unimaginable tragedy.”
The BJP National President Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda express deep sorrow. He said,” The news of the demise of former Chief Minister of Gujarat Shri Vijay Rupani ji in the plane crash in Ahmedabad is extremely painful. He was a true soldier of the BJP organization and a dutiful public servant. The demise of Rupani ji is an irreparable loss for the BJP family. His thoughts and work in the field of development and public service of Gujarat will always be remembered. I express my deepest condolences to the bereaved family. May God grant a place to the departed soul in his lotus feet. Om shanti”.
Union Home and Cooperation Minister Shri Amit Shah expressing condolences said, “ I worked with Gujarat’s former Chief Minister Vijaybhai Rupani ji in the organization for a long time. Whether it was strengthening the organization as the state president or keeping Gujarat’s development journey dynamic as the Chief Minister, Vijaybhai fulfilled every responsibility with utmost dedication. It is difficult to believe that he is no longer among us. By nature, Rupani ji was calm and thoughtful, and his loyalty and discipline towards the organization were remarkable. Just a few days ago, I met him and had a detailed discussion on various topics, including organizational matters in Punjab. I spoke with his wife, Mrs. Anjali Rupani ji, and expressed my deep condolences. In this hour of grief, the entire BJP family stands with them. May God grant the departed soul a place at His divine feet. Om Shanti Shanti Shanti”
Leaders from across the political spectrum have extended condolences and paid tribute to the late leader, remembering him as a man of values, vision, and service.