Vijay Rupani Death and Obituary – In a tragic and shocking incident that has sent ripples across the Indian political landscape, former Gujarat Chief Minister and senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Vijay Rupani died in a devastating plane crash on June 12, 2025. According to multiple news sources, including the Hindustan Times and The Economic Times, Rupani was among the passengers aboard Air India flight AI171, which crashed shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad.
The ill-fated flight was bound for London’s Gatwick Airport. Eyewitnesses and early reports indicate the aircraft experienced a critical failure within minutes of takeoff, resulting in a crash that claimed the lives of all passengers and crew on board. The Civil Aviation Minister confirmed Rupani’s presence on the flight, a statement echoed by his grieving family and Gujarat BJP President C.R. Patil.
C.R. Patil described Rupani’s death as a “big loss for the BJP,” while BJP national spokesperson and MP Sambit Patra called it an “irreparable loss,” underscoring the emotional weight of this tragedy within the party and beyond. Senior leaders across the political spectrum have begun issuing their condolences, with many recalling Rupani’s quiet leadership and deep commitment to public service.
Vijay Rupani, who served as the 16th Chief Minister of Gujarat from August 2016 to September 2021, was widely respected for his calm demeanor and methodical approach to governance. A key figure in Gujarat’s post-COVID recovery, he played a pivotal role in stabilizing the state’s economy and healthcare infrastructure during one of the most challenging times in recent history. He also served as an MLA from Rajkot West and held several portfolios in the Gujarat government over the years.
Rupani’s political career was characterized by consistency and dedication, earning him admiration within and outside his party. He worked closely with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah in shaping Gujarat’s development model, often emphasizing inclusive growth and grassroots governance.
This incident marks a grim historical echo, as Rupani becomes the second Chief Minister from Gujarat to perish in an aviation tragedy. The first was Balwantrai Mehta, whose plane was shot down during the Indo-Pak war in 1965. The eerie similarity has left the state and its people deeply shaken.
As the nation mourns the loss of a seasoned statesman, investigations are underway to determine the exact cause of the crash. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and Air India have promised full transparency and accountability in uncovering what led to the catastrophic failure of flight AI171.
Vijay Rupani is survived by his wife Anjali and their children. His legacy as a thoughtful and measured leader will be remembered by both his supporters and critics. The BJP and the state of Gujarat are preparing for state honors to pay their final respects to a man who dedicated his life to public service.