Vijay Rupani, senior Bharatiya Janata Party leader and former Chief Minister of Gujarat, lost his life in the crash of Air India Flight AI171 in Ahmedabad on Thursday, officials have confirmed. He was 68.
Rupani was among those on the ill-fated flight headed for Gatwick Airport in London when the plane crashed minutes after takeoff. He was seated in business class, at seat 2D.
One of Gujarat's better-known faces, Rupani was the state's 16th Chief Minister between August 2016 and September 2021. He was best known for being firmly in control, with a calm demeanor, whether it was during critical moments like Gujarat's rebuilding in the post-pandemic era or a period of rapid industrial growth.
During his reign, the state prioritized attracting investments, infrastructure development, and increasing welfare programs to better the lives of citizens.
Born on August 2, 1956, in Rangoon (now Yangon), Burma, Rupani and his family moved to Rajkot, Gujarat, amid political unrest in Southeast Asia. He pursued a B.A. and an L.L.B. from Saurashtra University, later becoming active in student politics through the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), the student wing of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).
Rupani entered politics in 1987 when he was voted in as a corporator of the municipality in Rajkot. He remained the Mayor of the city from 1996 to 1997 and was continuously voted into the Gujarat Legislative Assembly, establishing himself as a committed and clean politician. His commitment to the BJP and leadership acumen earned him the position of Chief Minister in 2016, taking over from Anandiben Patel.
Following the 2017 Assembly election victory of the BJP, Rupani was kept as CM, guiding the state through intricate challenges ranging from the COVID-19 pandemic to significant changes in industrial policy. His government launched a series of far-reaching programs, such as the Digital Seva Setu aimed at stepping up digital infrastructure in rural areas, and the Sujalam Sufalam Jal Abhiyan to help improve water conservation and management.
He was also instrumental in the launch of the Gujarat Industrial Policy 2020 and tribal upliftment schemes. Rupani relinquished the Chief Minister's office in September 2021 to make way for Bhupendra Patel as part of an overall party plan of leadership refreshment before state elections. Even after vacating the position, Rupani continued to be actively involved in party functions and people's activities.
He is survived by his wife, Anjali Rupani, noted social activist and philanthropist, and their son. It was renowned for his humility, disciplined lifestyle, and strong spiritual values, Rupani frequently participated in religious and cultural functions throughout Gujarat and was a frequent pilgrim to temples.
His premature demise in the air tragedy has created a void in Gujarat's political sphere and in the hearts of most who revered his dedicated service to the state and its populace.
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