Rajkot – State honors marked the final rites of Vijay Rupani, former Chief Minister of Gujarat, on Monday, June 17. The ceremony commenced in Rajkot as thousands gathered to pay respects to the leader who tragically perished in the Air India plane crash on June 12 in Ahmedabad.

Family Pays Emotional Tributes

A poignant moment unfolded as Vijay Rupani’s wife, Anjali Rupani, bid her farewell beside his remains. Family members and close associates joined in mourning, reflecting on his contributions to public service before the funeral rituals concluded.

Political Leaders Offer Condolences

Union Home Minister Amit Shah and current Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel led the official delegation by laying wreaths at the ceremony. CM Patel, along with key cabinet ministers, observed a moment of silence at Ahmedabad Civil Hospital’s mortuary block, where Rupani’s body was kept for public homage.

High-Level Attendances and Condolences

Health Minister Rushikesh Patel, State Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi, and former Deputy CM Nitin Patel were among the first to visit the mortuary and interact with Rupani’s family, extending their condolences amid the loss.

Legacy of Leadership: Vijay Rupani’s Gujarat Tenure

Rupani, 68, served as Gujarat’s chief minister from August 2016 to September 2021. During his leadership, he played a pivotal role in navigating the state through the post-pandemic economic and social recovery phase, leaving a lasting impact on governance reforms and disaster management initiatives.

Air India Plane Crash Incident in Ahmedabad

The fatal crash involved Air India Flight AI-171, bound for London, claiming the lives of 241 passengers and crew on June 12. Tragically, two federal disasters occurred as 29 ground fatalities were reported, including five medical students. One passenger survived the incident despite its devastation.