On June 12, a tragic plane crash in Ahmedabad took the lives of over 250 people, including former Chief Minister Vijay Rupani. His death was confirmed through DNA matching about 70 hours after the crash. On June 16, his last rites were held in Rajkot. Today, a prayer meeting was organised in Gandhinagar to honour Rupani’s memory. The event took place at Hall Number 1 of the Exhibition Centre at the Sector-17 Helipad Ground from 9 am to 12 pm. Attendees included current Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, members of the cabinet, local MLAs, party workers, and saints. Many officials, including Gandhinagar Municipal Corporation’s Standing Chairman Gaurang Vyas and Mayor Miraben Patel, also paid their respects.
Vijay Rupani was a prominent leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). He served as a member of the Gujarat Legislative Assembly representing Rajkot West. Rupani took oath as the 16th Chief Minister of Gujarat on August 7, 2016. Before becoming Chief Minister, he held positions such as the state president of the BJP and a member of the Rajya Sabha. His political career began in the 1970s when he became active in the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and later joined the BJP.
Rupani was born on August 2, 1956, in Rangoon, Burma. His father, Ramaniklal, and mother, Mayaben, moved to India in 1960 due to political instability. The family settled in Rajkot, where Rupani completed his education. He graduated from Dharmsinh Desai University and later obtained a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from Saurashtra University. His political career started when he became a member of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad, the student wing of the RSS.
In 1987, Rupani was elected as a member of the Rajkot Municipal Corporation. He played a significant role in local governance, serving as the chairman of the Standing Committee from 1988 to 1996 and as the mayor of Rajkot for a year. His leadership in the municipal corporation was marked by a focus on urban development and public services.
Rupani’s rise in the BJP saw him hold various important positions. He became the state’s BJP president in 2016, and later that year, he was appointed Chief Minister. His tenure was notable for its focus on infrastructure development and public welfare schemes. Under his leadership, the BJP won the Gujarat Assembly elections in 2017, securing a significant majority.
Despite his success, Rupani’s term saw challenges, including criticism over handling various issues such as education and public health. On September 11, 2021, he resigned from the position of Chief Minister amidst a cabinet reshuffle.
The prayer meeting today was a reflection of the respect and admiration many had for Rupani. It was a moment for his supporters and colleagues to remember his contributions to the state and the party. The gathering also highlighted his long-standing commitment to public service and the impact he had on Gujarat’s political landscape.
As the ceremony concluded, attendees shared their memories and stories about Rupani, emphasising his dedication to the people of Gujarat. The event served as a reminder of the legacy he leaves behind as a leader who played a vital role in shaping modern Gujarat.