Rajkot is preparing to bid farewell to former Chief Minister Vijay Rupani with great honour. Rupani, who served as Gujarat’s Chief Minister, tragically lost his life in a plane crash in Ahmedabad, which also claimed the lives of 241 others. His body was returned to his family on Monday morning at 11 AM, following a DNA test conducted on Sunday.
In the evening, his final journey will begin from his residence. The police have completed the route planning for the procession. Senior leaders, including Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, are expected to attend the funeral. They will be accompanied by various officials and members of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
According to official sources, Amit Shah will arrive at Rajkot’s Hirasar Airport around 3:40 PM. He is scheduled to reach Rupani’s home shortly after and will join the funeral procession to the Ramnathpara crematorium at 6:50 PM. Following the ceremony, he will head straight to Rajkot Airport.
Other dignitaries, including the Governor of Gujarat, Acharya Devvrat, and Minister of Water Resources C.R. Patil, will also be present. They are expected to arrive at Hirasar Airport via a state aircraft around 3:45 PM and will join the procession shortly after.
The Rajkot district administration has set up strict security measures for the event, with a large police presence to ensure order. Collector Prabhav Joshi stated that they have deployed a staff of 750 personnel to manage the situation around key locations, including the airport and Rupani’s residence.
The state government has declared a day of mourning in honour of Rupani’s contributions. The national flag will be flown at half-mast at the entrance of the Kagdavd Khodal Dham temple.
Rupani’s family expressed their sorrow during this difficult time. His son, Rushabh Rupani, thanked everyone for their support and emphasised that this is a tragic moment not only for their family but also for the other families affected by the crash. He acknowledged the rescue efforts made by police and civil defence teams during the incident.
Vijay Rupani was a prominent political figure in Gujarat, having served as Chief Minister from August 2016 until September 2021. He was known for his dedication to public service and his efforts in various capacities within the BJP, including as the party’s state president.
Born on August 2, 1956, in Rangoon, Burma, Rupani’s family moved to India in 1960. He completed his education in Gujarat and became actively involved in politics through the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad and later the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh. He was a member of the Gujarat Legislative Assembly and held various significant positions throughout his political career.
Rupani’s political journey included serving as the Mayor of Rajkot and holding a seat in the Rajya Sabha. His contributions to the BJP and the state of Gujarat are well-remembered.
As Rajkot prepares for his final send-off, many dignitaries and common citizens alike are expected to pay their respects. His legacy will continue to inspire many in the region and beyond, as he is remembered for his years of service and commitment to the people of Gujarat.
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