Former Gujarat CM Vijay Rupani Laid to Rest with State Honors in Rajkot

Vijay Rupani's Last Rites Held in Rajkot

The final farewell for Vijay Rupani, the former Chief Minister of Gujarat and a prominent BJP figure, took place on Monday in Rajkot, Gujarat, with full state honors. Key dignitaries, including Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Gujarat Governor Acharya Devvrat, and current Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, attended the funeral.

During the ceremony, Rupani was honored with a 21-gun salute, reflecting the respect held for him. The cremation occurred at the Ramnathpara crematorium, with the funeral procession commencing from his home at 5 PM. To ensure the procession's smooth flow, Rajkot Police implemented extensive security protocols and traffic management.

Earlier that day, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel paid his respects at the Ahmedabad Civil Hospital, where Rupani's body was kept for public homage following his tragic death in an Air India plane crash. Patel, along with senior cabinet ministers, stood in tribute at the mortuary block. Gujarat's Health Minister Rushikesh Patel and Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi also expressed their condolences. Former Deputy Chief Minister Nitin Patel visited early to comfort the grieving family. An emotional farewell was witnessed as Rupani's wife, Anjali, bid goodbye surrounded by family and friends as the final rituals commenced.

Rushabh Rupani, the late leader's son, extended condolences to all affected by the incident, stating, 'This is a sad time not just for us, but for 270 families too.' He expressed gratitude towards those who supported them during this difficult period, including the police and rescue teams. He also acknowledged the presence of Prime Minister Modi and Chief Minister Patel, who stood by their family and others impacted by the tragedy.

Reflecting on his father's extensive political career, Rushabh noted that Rupani had positively influenced many lives over his five-decade tenure. He remarked, 'My father touched many lives during his political journey. Today, many of those individuals are here to support us, including party workers from Punjab.'

Rupani was among the 241 victims of the Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner crash that occurred shortly after takeoff on June 12, colliding with a doctor's hostel near Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. Among the 242 individuals on board, the only survivor, Vishwashkumar Ramesh, a British national of Indian descent, is currently receiving medical treatment for his injuries.