PM Modi Pays Tribute to Former Gujarat CM Vijay Rupani After Tragic Plane Crash

A Heartfelt Meeting

On Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the family of Vijay Rupani, the former Chief Minister of Gujarat, who tragically lost his life in a plane crash in Ahmedabad, which claimed the lives of 241 passengers.

Honoring a Dedicated Leader

During his visit, PM Modi expressed his condolences, describing Rupani as a dedicated and humble individual who was deeply committed to the principles of the BJP. He shared, “I met the family of Shri Vijaybhai Rupani Ji. It is hard to fathom that he is no longer with us. I have known him for many years, and we collaborated closely, especially during challenging times. His humility and dedication to our party's ideology were remarkable,” as he posted on X.

A Legacy of Service

PM Modi further acknowledged Rupani's extensive contributions throughout his political career, stating, “He rose through the ranks, taking on various responsibilities and serving diligently as Gujarat's Chief Minister.”

He highlighted Rupani's significant roles in the Rajkot Municipal Corporation, as a Rajya Sabha MP, Gujarat BJP President, and as a Cabinet Minister, noting, “In every position he held, he excelled.”

Cherished Memories

Reflecting on their time together, PM Modi remarked, “We worked closely during his tenure as Chief Minister, implementing initiatives that significantly improved Gujarat's growth, particularly in enhancing the 'Ease of Living.' I will always treasure our interactions. My thoughts are with his family and friends during this difficult time. Om Shanti.”

The Tragic Incident

Vijay Rupani was aboard the Air India flight 171, which tragically crashed in Ahmedabad on Thursday. His wife, Anjali Rupani, arrived in Ahmedabad on Friday, where she was received by Gujarat's Home Minister Harsh Sanghvi.

Other family members also gathered at the Ahmedabad Civil Hospital following the incident. A neighbor, Kiranben, expressed her disbelief, stating, “It feels as if he is still with us. I have been at a loss for words since yesterday. His memories will remain with us forever. We celebrated all festivals together, and it’s hard to accept this loss.”

Dr. Nayan Shah, Rupani's neighbor and family doctor, echoed similar sentiments, saying, “We have been neighbors for 35 years. His memories will always be with us, through both good and bad times. It’s difficult to believe, but we must hold onto his memories.”

Confirmation of the Incident

Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu confirmed that former CM Rupani was indeed on the ill-fated Air India flight. The crash involved a total of 241 individuals, including 12 crew members, all of whom tragically lost their lives, as confirmed by Air India in the early hours of Friday.