The mortal remains of former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, who tragically died in the Air India plane crash on June 12, 2025, were cremated with full state honors at the Ramnathpara crematorium in Rajkot on Monday, June 16, 2025. Thousands of people gathered to pay their final respects to the departed leader.
The Air India Flight 171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner bound for London Gatwick, crashed shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad, killing 241 of the 242 people on board, including Rupani. The aircraft collided with the hostel block of B. J. Medical College, resulting in further casualties on the ground.
Rupani's body was identified through DNA testing, and his mortal remains were handed over to his family at the Ahmedabad Civil Hospital. The body was then transported to Rajkot by air for the funeral procession and cremation.
The funeral procession commenced from Rupani's residence at 5 PM, with thousands of mourners lining the streets to pay their respects. Supporters showered flower petals and chanted "Vijaybhai tum amar ho (Vijaybhai is immortal)." The hearse van carrying Rupani's body was decorated with around 2,000 kilograms of flowers.
The cremation took place at the Ramnathpara crematorium at approximately 6 PM. Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Gujarat Governor Acharya Devvrat, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, and numerous other political leaders attended the funeral to pay their tributes. Rupani was accorded a 21-gun salute as a mark of respect.
Vijay Rupani served as the Chief Minister of Gujarat from August 2016 to September 2021. Before becoming Chief Minister, he held various positions, including Mayor of Rajkot (1996-1997), Member of Rajya Sabha (2006-2012), and Member of the Gujarat Legislative Assembly from Rajkot West (2014-2022).
Rupani's political journey began with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and the Jan Sangh. He was imprisoned during the Emergency for 11 months. He was associated with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) since its establishment in 1980.
Rupani's son, Rushabh Rupani, expressed the family's grief and acknowledged the support they received. "This is a sad time not just for our family but also for the other 270 families," he said, referring to the other victims of the plane crash. He also thanked the various authorities and leaders for their support.
The Gujarat government declared a one-day state mourning in memory of the former Chief Minister.
Leaders across the political spectrum expressed their condolences. Punjab BJP chief Sunil Jakhar called Rupani's death a personal loss. Vivek Oberoi mourned the loss of his close friend, remembering Rupani's contributions to Gujarat.
Vijay Rupani was born in Rangoon, Burma (now Yangon, Myanmar) in 1956. His family moved to Rajkot, Gujarat, in 1960. He was married to Anjali Rupani, and they had two children, Rishabh and Radhika. They had previously lost their youngest son, Pujit, in a car accident, in whose memory the family established the Shri Pujit Rupani Memorial Trust.
