Vijay Rupani's Last Rites Held with State Honors in Rajkot
Farewell to a Leader
The final farewell for Vijay Rupani, the former Chief Minister of Gujarat and a prominent BJP figure, took place on Monday in Rajkot, Gujarat, with full state honors. The ceremony was attended by notable figures including Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Gujarat Governor Acharya Devvrat, and current Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel.
During the ceremony, Rupani was honored with a 21-gun salute, a tribute to his service. The last rites were conducted at the Ramnathpara crematorium, with the funeral procession commencing from his home at 5 PM. Rajkot Police enforced extensive security measures and traffic controls to ensure the procession proceeded smoothly.
Tributes and Mourning
Earlier that day, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel visited the Ahmedabad Civil Hospital to pay his respects, laying a wreath for Rupani, whose unexpected passing in an Air India plane crash has cast a shadow over the state. Patel, along with senior cabinet ministers, paid tribute at the mortuary where Rupani's body was available for public homage. Health Minister Rushikesh Patel and Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi also expressed their condolences. Former Deputy Chief Minister Nitin Patel was among the first to visit the mortuary, offering support to the grieving family.
An emotional farewell was witnessed as Rupani's wife, Anjali, said her goodbyes surrounded by family and friends as the final rituals commenced. The family expressed deep sorrow over their loss.
Reflections on a Legacy
Rushabh Rupani, the son of the late leader, extended his condolences to all affected by the tragedy, stating, "This is a sad time not just for us, but for 270 families too." He expressed gratitude towards those who supported them during this difficult period, including the police and rescue teams. Rushabh also acknowledged the presence of party workers from Punjab who came to pay their respects.
Reflecting on his father's extensive political career, Rushabh noted that Rupani had positively impacted many lives over his five-decade tenure. He remarked, "Today, all those people are standing by us."
Tragic Incident Details
Vijay Rupani was among the 241 victims of the tragic Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner crash that occurred shortly after takeoff on June 12, colliding with a doctor's hostel complex near Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. Among the 242 individuals on board, the only survivor, Vishwashkumar Ramesh, a British national of Indian descent, is currently receiving medical treatment for his injuries.