The city of Rajkot is today observing the final rites of former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, who tragically passed away in the Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad on June 12, 2025. The somber event is being conducted with full state honors, a testament to Rupani's significant contributions to the state and its people.

Vijay Rupani, who served as Gujarat's Chief Minister from August 2016 to September 2021, was among the 241 passengers and crew members who perished when the London-bound Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner crashed shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. He was traveling to London to visit his daughter and accompany his wife on her return journey. The crash also resulted in the deaths of at least 33 people on the ground, as the aircraft impacted a hostel building of the BJ Medical College.

Preparations for the last rites began early this morning. Rupani's mortal remains were handed over to his family at the Civil Hospital in Ahmedabad around 11:30 AM. The body was then transported to Rajkot by air, arriving at approximately 2 PM. A hearse van, adorned with around 2,000 kilograms of flowers, carried Rupani's remains through the city, allowing people to pay their final respects.

The cremation is scheduled to take place at 5 PM at the Ramnath crematorium in Rajkot. The ceremony is expected to be attended by a large number of supporters, political leaders, and dignitaries, including Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who will arrive in Rajkot at 3 PM after paying respects at Rupani's residence. Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has already paid his respects, laying a wreath and offering condolences to the family.

The state of Gujarat is observing a day of state mourning in honor of the former Chief Minister. During this period, the national flag will fly at half-mast on all government buildings, and official entertainment events will be cancelled.

Vijay Rupani's political career spanned several decades, marked by his dedication to public service and his contributions to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Before becoming Chief Minister, he served as a member of the Gujarat Legislative Assembly representing the Rajkot West constituency and held various ministerial portfolios in the state government. He also served as the President of BJP Gujarat.

Rupani's sudden demise has been met with widespread grief and condolences from across the political spectrum. He is remembered as a calm and composed leader who steered Gujarat through various challenges during his tenure.

Adding a poignant layer to the tragedy, it has been noted that the number '1206' held special significance for Vijay Rupani throughout his life. It was his "lucky" number, adorning the number plates of his vehicles, from his early scooter to his official car as Chief Minister. Tragically, June 12, 2025, the date of the plane crash, became the day his luck ran out.

The investigation into the Air India plane crash is ongoing, with authorities working to determine the cause of the accident. In the meantime, the state of Gujarat mourns the loss of a respected leader, and his last rites in Rajkot mark the end of an era in Gujarat's political landscape.