Vijay Rupani: From Rajkot Roots to Gujarat Leadership and Tragic End
Born 2 August 1956 in Yangon, Myanmar (then Rangoon), Vijay Ramniklal Rupani moved with his Jain‑Bania family to Rajkot in 1960. Excelling academically, he earned a BA and LLB from Dharmendrasinhji Arts College and Saurashtra University indiatoday.in+7starsunfolded.com+7indiatoday.in+7simple.wikipedia.org+3livemint.com+3starsunfolded.com+3.
Early Activism & Political Rise
During the mid-1970s Emergency, Rupani emerged as a dedicated activist, joining the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and Jan Sangh. He was detained for 11 months in Bhuj and Bhavnagar jails en.wikipedia.org+1starsunfolded.com+1. His grassroots political career began in 1987 when he became a corporator and later served as Rajkot’s mayor (1996–97) en.wikipedia.org+1livemint.com+1. He entered national politics as a Rajya Sabha MP (2006–12) before returning to Gujarat state politics timesofindia.indiatimes.com+14en.wikipedia.org+14livemint.com+14.
Rise Through BJP & Ministerial Roles
In 2014, Rupani won Rajkot West as an MLA and joined Anandiben Patel’s cabinet, handling Transport, Water Supply, and Labour and Employment economictimes.indiatimes.com+14en.wikipedia.org+14starsunfolded.com+14. He became state BJP president in February 2016, and by August was sworn in as the 16th Chief Minister of Gujarat, succeeding Anandiben Patel hindustantimes.com.
Tenure Highlights (2016–2021)
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Prioritized industrial expansion, health infrastructure, water management, and urban development.
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Known for quiet diplomacy and calm crisis management—a leadership style that earned broad respect hindustantimes.com+1en.wikipedia.org+1.
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Worked extensively for regional uplift in Rajkot, including airport upgrades and infrastructure investments en.wikipedia.org+11indiatoday.in+11starsunfolded.com+11.
Resignation & Succession
On 11 September 2021, following BJP’s tradition of leadership rotation, Rupani resigned, stating he was prepared for any party-duty role en.wikipedia.org+8newsbytesapp.com+8hindustantimes.com+8. On 13 September, Bhupendrabhai Patel was sworn in as his successor cbsnews.com+2en.wikipedia.org+2en.wikipedia.org+2.
The Tragic Air India AI‑171 Crash
On 12 June 2025, Air India Flight AI‑171, a Boeing 787‑8 Dreamliner, crashed minutes after takeoff from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick. The flight carried 242 passengers and crew npr.org+14en.wikipedia.org+14cbsnews.com+14. Critically, there was only one survivor—a British-Indian man npr.org+2theguardian.com+2cbsnews.com+2. Violent contact with buildings at BJ Medical College claimed at least 241 lives onboard and 28 on the ground, including Vijay Rupani, confirming the tragic loss newsbytesapp.com+15en.wikipedia.org+15timesofindia.indiatimes.com+15.
Reaction & Historical Context
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Widespread national grief: Prime Minister Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, King Charles III, and global leaders offered condolences timesofindia.indiatimes.com.
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This marks the second Gujarat CM to perish in an air crash, mirroring the death of Balwantrai Mehta in 1965 hindustantimes.com+3indiatoday.in+3telegraphindia.com+3.
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The crash triggered highest-level inspections of aviation safety protocols in India telegraphindia.com+12reuters.com+12theguardian.com+12.
Legacy & Impact
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Grassroots to Governor: Rupani's political ascent—from student activism and corporator, to mayor, Rajya Sabha MP, state minister, and CM—showcases his dedication livemint.com+1starsunfolded.com+1.
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Development Focus: Emphasized public infrastructure, industrial policy, health projects, and sustainable urban growth.
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Quiet Leadership: Known for a humble, affable persona, he was often praised as a "gentleman politician" .
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Crisis Chief: Guided Gujarat through crises including COVID‑19, earning the reputation of a composed, effective leader.
FAQ
Was Vijay Rupani confirmed dead after the crash?
Yes. Officials have confirmed his death among the victims of the AI‑171 tragedy en.wikipedia.org+5cbsnews.com+5telegraphindia.com+5.
Who survived the crash?
One passenger—a British national of Indian origin named Vishwashkumar Ramesh—survived and is receiving treatment m.economictimes.com+7theguardian.com+7apnews.com+7.
Why did Rupani resign as CM in 2021?
He adhered to BJP’s tradition of opportunity-sharing, stepping down voluntarily when asked newsbytesapp.com+1hindustantimes.com+1.
How many Gujarat CMs have died in air crashes?
Two: Balwantrai Mehta in 1965 and Vijay Rupani in 2025 .
Conclusion
Vijay Rupani’s life embodies a journey of grassroots resilience, service, and leadership. From Rajkot's civic chambers to the helm of Gujarat, he was a leader celebrated for quiet strength and developmental vision. His passing in the AI‑171 crash is a national blow, reminding India of aviation safety challenges and the fragility of leadership. His legacy will endure through Gujarat’s institutions, policies, and the many lives he touched.
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