Vijay Rupani, the former Chief Minister of Gujarat, has passed away in a tragic plane crash. He was flying to London when the Air India aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff. The incident resulted in the loss of 241 lives, including Rupani’s. His body was brought back to Rajkot, where people gathered to pay their last respects.
On the day of his funeral, rain poured down in Rajkot, but that did not stop the crowds. Thousands of residents came out to say goodbye to their beloved leader. The funeral procession took place at the Ramnath crematorium, where many political leaders, including Union Home Minister Amit Shah and current Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, paid tribute to Rupani by placing flower garlands on his body.
Earlier that evening, Rupani was given a guard of honour, which included a salute of 21 gunshots. This was a fitting tribute to a man who served as a member of the Gujarat Legislative Assembly and led the state as its Chief Minister from August 2016 until September 2021. The ceremony was filled with emotional moments as family members, friends, and political colleagues gathered to remember him.
Vijay Rupani was born on August 2, 1956, in Rangoon, Burma. His family moved to India in 1960, settling in Rajkot, Gujarat. He studied at Dharmendrasinh College and later earned a law degree from Saurashtra University. Rupani entered politics early, becoming active in the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad, a student organisation, before joining the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh and later the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Throughout his career, Rupani held various positions within the BJP, including state president and member of the Rajya Sabha. His leadership in Gujarat was marked by efforts to improve infrastructure, education, and health services. He was also known for his commitment to BJP’s ideology and for being a hardworking member of the party.
The news of his death has shocked many in Gujarat and across India. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences, noting Rupani’s dedication to public service and his commitment to the party. Modi stated that Rupani was a diligent worker and a significant figure in Gujarat’s political landscape.
Rupani’s son, Rishabh, was in America and quickly made arrangements to return to Ahmedabad after hearing the news. His wife, Anjali, had flown back from London on a special chartered flight. Their family, alongside many friends and supporters, gathered to mourn their loss at their residence in Rajkot.
The plane crash has raised questions about safety and the circumstances surrounding the tragedy. It has been reported that the aircraft went down just 30 seconds after takeoff, crashing into a building in the Meghani Nagar area. The incident is under investigation as the nation mourns the lives lost in this catastrophic event.
Vijay Rupani’s contributions to Gujarat will be remembered by many. He was not only a politician but also a father, husband, and friend to those who knew him. As the state pays its last respects, his legacy will continue to impact the future of Gujarat politics. Many hope that his commitment to service will inspire future leaders to follow in his footsteps.
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