The last rites of former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani were performed with full state honours on Monday at the Ramnathpara crematorium in Rajkot, following his tragic death in the Air India plane crash near Ahmedabad on June 12. His son, Rushabh Rupani, lit the funeral pyre in an emotional farewell attended by family, friends, and political leaders.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Gujarat Governor Acharya Devvrat, and Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel were among the senior dignitaries who paid their final respects. The solemn state funeral saw Rupani’s mortal remains taken in a funeral procession through the streets of Rajkot, as citizens gathered to bid farewell to the respected leader.
The Gujarat Police accorded a guard of honour, and the ceremony included a 21-gun salute as a mark of highest respect. Comprehensive security and traffic measures were put in place by the Rajkot Police to ensure the smooth movement of the procession, which began from Rupani’s residence at 5 pm.
Earlier in the day, a wreath-laying ceremony took place at Ahmedabad Civil Hospital where Rupani’s body was kept for public homage. Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, accompanied by his cabinet colleagues, paid tribute to the late leader. Gujarat Health Minister Rushikesh Patel, Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi, and former Deputy Chief Minister Nitin Patel also visited the mortuary to offer their condolences.
A poignant moment unfolded as Rupani’s wife, Anjali Rupani, stood by his side during the rituals, bidding a tearful farewell surrounded by family members and close friends. The family’s grief was shared by supporters, BJP workers, and the general public, many of whom gathered along the route to pay homage.
Rushabh Rupani, speaking to the media, reflected on his father’s life and legacy. “This is a sad time not just for us, but for 270 families too,” he said, acknowledging the widespread impact of the crash. Expressing gratitude, he added, “I thank the Police, Aarogya staff, Civil Defence, Fire Services, and RSS workers for their commendable rescue efforts. We are also grateful to PM Modi, CM Bhupendra Patel, and other leaders for standing by us and all affected families.”
He recalled his father’s political journey spanning over five decades, stating, “My father touched many lives during his 50-55 years of political life. Today, all those people are standing by us. Even party workers from Punjab have come here to pay their respects.”
Vijay Rupani was among the 241 fatalities of the tragic crash involving an Air India London-bound Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, which crashed shortly after takeoff, striking a nearby doctor’s hostel complex. Out of 242 passengers and crew, only one person survived—Vishwashkumar Ramesh, a British national of Indian origin, who is currently receiving treatment for injuries.
The devastating crash has left the state of Gujarat and the nation in mourning, with tributes pouring in for the former chief minister who served the state with distinction and commitment.