Rajkot is in mourning following the death of former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, who died in the Air India flight 171 crash near Ahmedabad on Thursday, June 12, 2025. The city observed a partial shutdown as a sign of respect for the leader who had deep ties to the community. Rupani, who served as Chief Minister from 2016 to 2021, was 68 years old.

The tragic accident occurred shortly after the London-bound Air India flight took off from Ahmedabad Airport. Rupani was traveling to London to visit his daughter and accompany his wife on her return journey. All 241 people on board the aircraft died in the crash.

News of Rupani's death brought grief to Rajkot, where he was remembered not just as a politician, but as a neighbor and a friend. Vijay Rupani represented Rajkot West constituency in the Gujarat Legislative Assembly from 2014 to 2022. He began his political career in Rajkot and maintained strong ties to the city throughout his life.

The Rajkot Chamber of Commerce & Industry reported that businesses shut down as a sign of respect. Schools throughout the Rajkot district were also closed on Saturday. The district administration requested educational institutions to observe a two-minute silence in Rupani's memory.

Rupani was credited with bringing several development projects to Rajkot, including AIIMS and an international airport. He was viewed as the architect of modern Rajkot, and his contributions have left a lasting impact on the city. Residents remember him for his simplicity, kindness, and accessibility.

Condolences poured in from leaders across party lines, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who visited Rupani's family to offer his condolences. Modi said that Rupani's passing was unimaginable and that they had worked together for decades. Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel called the incident a tragedy beyond words and said the state had responded swiftly and with empathy.

Rupani's death has sparked widespread grief across the political spectrum. He is remembered as a grounded and affable leader who maintained strong ties with his constituency. Many admired Rupani for his work in providing essential facilities to the city, such as hospitals, overbridges, and improved water resources.