Who Was Vijay Rupani? The ‘Low-Profile’ Ex-Gujarat CM Who Died in Air India Plane Crash
Vijay Rupani, the soft-spoken ex-Gujarat Chief Minister, tragically died in an Air India plane crash on June 12, 2025. Learn about his political journey, legacy, and the crash that shocked the nation.
Vijay Rupani
Vijay Rupani: Tragedy Strikes in Air India Crash
On June 12, 2025, the nation was shaken as an Air India Boeing 787 crashed minutes after taking off from Ahmedabad, killing over 200 passengers. Among the deceased was Vijay Rupani, the former Chief Minister of Gujarat and a respected BJP leader.
The crash of Flight AI 171 en route to London was one of the deadliest in recent Indian aviation history and marked the first fatal accident involving a Dreamliner aircraft in the country.
Who Was Vijay Rupani?
Vijay Rupani was born on August 2, 1956, in Rangoon (now Yangon), Myanmar. His family moved to Rajkot, Gujarat, during political unrest in Burma. Known for his calm and understated political style, Vijay Rupani dedicated his life to public service.
He began his political career with the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) and served as an RSS pracharak.
He was jailed during the Emergency, which strengthened his ideological resolve.
Vijay Rupani became the Mayor of Rajkot in 1996, later serving in the Rajya Sabha from 2006 to 2012.
He entered Gujarat state politics and was appointed the BJP state president in 2016.
On August 7, 2016, he became the 16th Chief Minister of Gujarat, a position he held until September 11, 2021.
Vijay Rupani’s Political Legacy
As Gujarat CM, Vijay Rupani prioritized transparent governance, infrastructure growth, and social harmony. He was known for:
Expanding industrial development without aggressive rhetoric.
Handling the COVID-19 crisis with a calm demeanor.
Advocating digital governance and e-services across the state.
Promoting environmental policies like Jal Sanchay Abhiyan.
Even after stepping down, Vijay Rupani continued to influence the BJP’s strategy in Gujarat quietly, mentoring younger leaders and participating in party outreach programs.
The Fatal Flight: Air India AI 171
According to early reports, the Air India flight carrying Vijay Rupani suffered critical engine failure shortly after takeoff. The aircraft attempted to return but lost altitude rapidly and crashed into a residential area, resulting in a massive fire.
Investigations are ongoing, with teams from Boeing, DGCA, and international safety agencies involved. Tributes for Vijay Rupani poured in from leaders across India and abroad.
Tributes and Public Reaction
Prime Minister Narendra Modi called Vijay Rupani’s death “a personal loss,” remembering his long-standing contributions to the state and the BJP.
Gujarat BJP President C.R. Patil said, “Vijaybhai was a symbol of quiet strength and dedication.” The people of Rajkot and political colleagues alike mourned the untimely demise of a leader who embodied humility.
Why Vijay Rupani Mattered
Vijay Rupani defied the typical image of Indian political showmanship. He was calm, disciplined, and worked silently behind the scenes. His leadership style focused on:
Substance over spotlight
Ethical governance
Steady decision-making during crises
“Our leader Vijay Rupani, was going (to London) to meet his family. He is also a victim in this incident. May his soul rest in peace. This is a big loss for the BJP,” Union minister and Gujarat BJP president CR Paatil told reporters.
The death of Vijay Rupani in the Air India plane crash is a significant loss not only to Gujarat but to the nation. His journey from a young activist jailed during the Emergency to the Chief Minister of India’s most industrialized state speaks of perseverance and dedication.
In an era of high-voltage politics, Vijay Rupani stood out for his low-profile yet impactful leadership. His legacy will continue to inspire future generations of leaders who value character over charisma.