Vijay Rupani’s final flight ended in tragedy

Rupani’s death marks the end of a political era in Gujarat and has triggered an outpouring of national and international tributes. This article revisits his life, the circumstances of the crash, and the emotional and political shockwaves that followed.

Vijay Rupani’s Political Journey – From Rajkot to Gujarat CM

Vijaybhai Ramniklalbhai Rupani, born on August 2, 1956, in Yangon, Myanmar, moved to Rajkot with his family in 1960. Coming from a Jain Bania background, he completed his Bachelor of Arts and LLB from Saurashtra University. Before politics, he was a stockbroker and partner in the family business Rasiklal & Sons.

Rupani’s political foundation was laid through activism in the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). He joined the Jan Sangh in 1971 and remained loyal to the BJP after its formation.

Key milestones in his career include:

• 1987: Elected Rajkot Municipal Corporator
• 1996–1997: Mayor of Rajkot
• 2006–2012: Rajya Sabha MP from Gujarat
• 2016–2021: Chief Minister of Gujarat

As CM, he was known for a corruption-free image, pushing reforms like UJALA Yojana, digital village connectivity, and public auctions of gifts—a practice inspired by PM Modi. He consistently promoted clean governance, infrastructure growth, and rural digital integration.

The Ahmedabad Plane Crash That Claimed Over 200 Lives

The ill-fated Flight AI171 took off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport and crashed minutes later near Meghani Nagar at 1:38 PM. The aircraft, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner (VT-ANB), carried 242 people, including 232 passengers (230 adults, 2 infants) and 12 crew members.

According to web check-in records, Vijay Rupani was seated in business class, confirmed as passenger number 12 by Times of India. The crash site impacted the BJ Medical College hostel, causing ground injuries in addition to fatalities onboard.

Emergency teams, including 90 personnel from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), were immediately deployed. DNA testing began to confirm identities, with families being informed through Air India’s emergency hotline.

The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) and Boeing are conducting a full probe. Initial analysis suggests technical malfunction as a possible cause, though official findings are months away.

Leaders including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, President Droupadi Murmu, and UK PM Keir Starmer released statements mourning Rupani’s death and the larger tragedy.

Vijay Rupani’s death leaves Gujarat politics with a silent void— Tributes pour in for the leader

News of Vijay Rupani’s death spread quickly on social media and across national media. Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the loss as “heartbreaking beyond words”. Union Minister C.R. Patil called it an “irreparable loss for Gujarat”.

Public figures offered condolences: