Ahmedabad: Senior BJP leader and former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani died in a plane crash in Ahmedabad, Gujarat on Thursday. He was 68 years old.
Rupani was aboard Air India flight AI171, which was going from Ahmedabad to London’s Gatwick Airport. The plane crashed shortly after takeoff. He was sitting in the 2D seat of business class.
A seasoned politician, Rupani served as the 16th Chief Minister of Gujarat from August 2016 to September 2021. His rule emphasized investment, infrastructure and social welfare schemes.
Vijay Rupani was born on 2 August 1956 in Rangoon (now Yangon). His family moved to Rajkot, Gujarat due to political turmoil. He completed his BA and LLB from Saurashtra University. He then became active in student politics through the RSS and its student wing ABVP. Rupani began his political career as a corporator in Rajkot in 1987.
He was the mayor of Rajkot from 1996 to 1997 and was elected to the Gujarat Assembly several times. His loyalty to the BJP and clean image made him an important figure in Gujarat politics and in August 2016 he was chosen as the successor of Chief Minister Anandiben Patel, who had stepped down.
Rupani continued in office after the 2017 assembly elections and led the government during challenging times including the Covid-19 pandemic and major industrial policy changes. As CM he was known for launching the Digital Seva Setu scheme to bridge the digital divide in rural areas and focusing on improving water management through the Sujalam Sufalam Jal Abhiyaan.
His tenure also saw the launch of the Gujarat Industrial Policy 2020 and initiatives for tribal upliftment. He resigned as CM in September 2021 and made way for Bhupendra Patel. However, Rupani remained a key adviser and remained active in party affairs and public service.
Rupani was married to social activist and philanthropist Anjali Rupani. They have a son.
He was known for his soft-spoken nature, disciplined lifestyle and strong spiritual base. He frequently visited temples and participated in religious and cultural events across Gujarat.
