By Soumya Ranjan Vijay Rupani, the former chief minister of Gujarat, tragically died in an Air India aircraft crash close to Ahmedabad. Known for his low-key personality, Rupani’s untimely passing is a major blow to Indian politics and brings to mind previous tragedies involving Gujarati leaders.
By Soumya Ranjan
Published: 12 Jun 2025
In Short
- Former Gujarat CM Vijay Rupani died in the Air India plane crash
- BJP leader Vijay Rupani served as Gujarat’s CM from 2016 to 2021
- Condolences poured in across party lines mourning his death
BJP state president CR Patil announced the death of former Gujarat chief minister Vijay Rupani, who was on the Air India plane that went down in Ahmedabad. Five minutes after taking off, the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner headed for London crashed close to Ahmedabad airport.
Patil described the plane crash as a “tragic incident” and conveyed his profound sadness for the lives lost.
“Vijay Rupani, the former chief minister, passed away. As he lamented the BJP leader’s passing, Patil told reporters in Mehsana, “The BJP family is deeply saddened.” “May God give strength and peace to the families of the deceased, and peace to all the departed souls.”
He continued, “May the souls of those who perished in the crash rest in peace.”
Before leaving before the 2022 state elections, Rupani was Gujarat’s chief minister from August 2016 to September 2021.
Sixty years after Balwantrai Mehta’s death in a plane crash in 1965, Vijay Rupani is the second politician to have died in an aviation accident while serving as Gujarat’s chief minister.
Rupani’s death was described as “extremely painful and deeply shocking” by BJP MP Sambit Patra.
“Not just for Gujarat, but for Indian politics in general, his passing is an irreversible loss. May Lord Jagannath give the deceased a place at His divine feet and give the grieving family members and supporters courage and strength during this trying time. Patra wrote, “Om Shanti,” on X.
Sunil Jakhar, the Punjab president of the BJP, described Rupani as a true “gentleman politician” and claimed that his passing was a personal loss for him as well.
“His soft and gentle manner was so charming to me. We will miss his wisdom and straightforwardness in public life. Jakhar posted, “RIP Rupani ji,” on X.
Amarinder Singh, the former chief minister of Punjab, sent his condolences to Rupani’s family and loved ones.
“Sadened by the terrible plane crash near Ahmedabad that claimed the life of former Gujarat Chief Minister Shri Vijay Rupani Ji.” We will never forget his steadfast dedication to public service. “I send my sincerest sympathies to his family and loved ones during this difficult time,” Singh posted on X.
The flight’s manifest listed Vijay Ramniklal Rupani as the 12th passenger. According to the passenger list document that India Today was able to access, he was scheduled in the Z class, which is categorized as Business Class.
There was tension outside Rupani’s Rajkot home after the crash was reported earlier Thursday. Outside his house, neighbors had gathered, teary-eyed and anxious.