Ahmedabad (Gujarat) [India], June 13: In the aftermath of the devastating Air India AI-171 plane crash, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met the grieving family of former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, who was among the 241 people killed in the tragedy.
PM Modi, visibly emotional, paid tribute to the late BJP leader, hailing him as a “humble and hardworking leader” who was deeply committed to the Party’s ideology.
“It is unimaginable that Vijaybhai is not in our midst. I’ve known him for decades. We worked together, shoulder to shoulder, including during some of the most challenging times,” PM Modi wrote on X.
A Political Journey Remembered
In his tribute, the Prime Minister recounted Rupani’s significant contributions at every stage of his career — from Rajkot Municipal Corporation to Rajya Sabha MP, from Gujarat BJP President to Cabinet Minister, and eventually as Chief Minister of Gujarat.
“He ushered in many measures that enhanced Gujarat’s growth trajectory, particularly in boosting ‘Ease of Living.’ Will always cherish the interactions we had,” PM Modi said.
Family and Neighbours Mourn Loss
Anjali Rupani, wife of the late CM, reached Ahmedabad on Friday and was received by Gujarat Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi. Several family members also arrived and visited Ahmedabad Civil Hospital where DNA identification of victims is underway.
Rupani’s longtime neighbour Kiranben shared her heartbreak, saying,
“It still feels as if he is with us. We used to celebrate all the festivals together. I cannot believe this has happened.”
Dr. Nayan Shah, the family’s physician and a neighbour for 35 years, echoed similar grief:
“His memories will always stay with us. Be it good or bad times, we were always together. It’s very difficult to believe.”
Plane Crash Confirmed as Fatal for All Onboard
Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu confirmed the presence of Vijay Rupani on board the doomed Air India Flight AI-171, a Boeing 787-8 aircraft that crashed minutes after takeoff from Ahmedabad International Airport on Thursday. The airline confirmed that all 241 passengers and 12 crew members perished, except one lone survivor, British national Vishwashkumar Ramesh.