Today, the ashes of former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani were immersed in the sacred Ganges River at Haridwar. This ceremony took place in the morning, attended by his son and daughter. Vijay Rupani was a prominent leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). He served as the 16th Chief Minister of Gujarat from August 7, 2016, until his resignation on September 11, 2021.
Born on August 2, 1956, in Rangoon, Burma, Rupani moved to India with his family at the age of four. His father, Ramaniklal, and mother, Mayaben, were members of the Jain community. Rupani completed his education in Rajkot, where he graduated from Dharmendrasinh Mahavidyalaya and later earned a law degree from Saurashtra University.
Rupani’s political career began in the 1970s when he joined the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and later became active in the Bharatiya Janata Sangh, which eventually evolved into the BJP. His dedication to public service saw him imprisoned for 11 months during the Emergency in India (1975-1977), a time of political unrest.
He served in various political roles, including as a member of the Rajkot Municipal Corporation, where he was elected in 1987. He held significant positions such as the Chairman of the Standing Committee and later became the Mayor of Rajkot from 1996 to 1997. Rupani was also involved in the Gujarat Tourism Department and served as a member of the Rajya Sabha from 2006 to 2012.
In 2014, he was elected to the Gujarat Legislative Assembly from the Rajkot West constituency. His rise to the chief ministerial position came after Anandiben Patel resigned in 2016. Under his leadership, the BJP won a significant majority in the 2017 Gujarat Assembly elections.
During his tenure, Rupani focused on transparency and sensitivity in governance. He faced many challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic. His approach was marked by a commitment to public welfare and decisive action in crisis situations.
After he stepped down from the chief minister’s role, he remained an influential figure within the BJP and continued to contribute to society through various initiatives, including establishing the Poojit Rupani Trust in memory of his late son. This trust aims to support underprivileged children and improve their lives.
The immersion of his ashes in Haridwar is a significant moment for his family and supporters. It reflects the deep respect and admiration he earned throughout his political career. Many leaders and citizens remember Rupani for his dedication to public service and his efforts to uplift the community. His legacy will continue to inspire future generations of leaders in Gujarat and beyond.