Air India Crash Kills Vijay Rupani Near Ahmedabad
Former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani died tragically in the Air India Flight AI171 crash near Ahmedabad airport on June 12, 2025. The London-bound Boeing 787 Dreamliner crashed just minutes after takeoff, claiming the lives of all 242 passengers on board.
Union Minister C.R. Patil confirmed his death. The incident shocked the political establishment and left a void in Gujarat’s leadership legacy.
Vijay Rupani’s Political Career Ends Abruptly
Vijay Rupani, 68, led Gujarat as Chief Minister from August 2016 to 2021. He assumed office after Anandiben Patel resigned and later handed over charge to Bhupendra Patel.
Before becoming CM, he won elections from Rajkot West and led the party as State BJP President. He held Cabinet portfolios and emerged as a trusted aide of Amit Shah, the current Union Home Minister.
RSS Roots and Rise in BJP
Rupani began his political journey with the RSS-affiliated ABVP. During the Emergency, he faced imprisonment for protesting against Indira Gandhi’s regime. In 1980, he joined BJP at its inception and climbed steadily through the ranks.
He served as a Rajya Sabha MP from 2006 to 2012, maintaining close ties with party leaders and grassroots workers alike. His calm leadership style and ideological commitment earned respect across Gujarat.
Second Gujarat CM Lost in Air Crash
Rupani’s death marks the second time a Gujarat Chief Minister has died in a plane crash. The first such tragedy occurred in 1965, when Balwantrai Mehta, Gujarat’s first CM, died after Pakistan shot down his plane.
The loss has stirred deep emotions across the state. Political leaders, citizens, and party workers poured out their grief online and offline.
Family, Leaders Gather in Rajkot to Mourn
Rupani’s relatives and supporters gathered at his Rajkot residence, where tearful tributes flowed. Leaders including PM Narendra Modi and Amit Shah expressed their condolences publicly.
The Tata Group, which owns Air India, pledged ₹1 crore to each victim’s family. They also promised to assist affected families with counseling and financial support.
Authorities Begin Crash Investigation
Indian aviation officials launched a probe within hours of the tragedy. The UK’s Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) joined the investigation, as 53 British nationals also died in the crash.
Officials reported that the Dreamliner aircraft had no known defects prior to departure. The abrupt failure shortly after takeoff has raised questions about possible mechanical, technical, or human error.
You can also add a “Further Reading” section at the bottom:
🔗 Further Reading:
🔹 Air India AI171 Crash: Full Timeline, Cause, and Victim List
