Former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani has been confirmed dead in the tragic Air India plane crash that occurred near Ahmedabad on Thursday. The confirmation came from BJP's Gujarat unit president C.R. Patil, who expressed condolences to the late leader’s family and praised Rupani's contributions to the state and the party.

Vijay Rupani, a senior BJP leader, served as the Chief Minister of Gujarat from 2016 to 2021, and was a Member of the Legislative Assembly from the Rajkot West constituency. He was one of the passengers on board Air India flight AI-171, the Boeing 787 Dreamliner headed to London Gatwick.

Crash Kills 241 Including Prominent Political Figure

Flight AI-171, carrying 242 people, including 232 passengers and 10 crew members, crashed minutes after taking off from the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad. Air India later confirmed 241 fatalities, with only one British national surviving.

The aircraft crashed in the Meghaninagar locality, a densely populated residential area near BJ Medical College, where it caused severe damage to staff quarters and local structures. Rescue operations are still underway.

Among the deceased is Vijay Rupani, whose presence on the flight was widely speculated in the hours following the crash. His death was later formally confirmed by BJP state president CR Patil, who posted a brief condolence message and called it a great loss to Gujarat and the BJP.

Eyewitness Accounts of Horror

Local residents and eyewitnesses described the horror of the crash. Many said the aircraft lost altitude quickly and burst into flames on impact, creating a massive fireball that engulfed multiple buildings.

“There was a loud explosion, followed by chaos and flames. We saw the plane nose-dive and strike the building behind BJ Medical College. People ran in panic,” said a resident of Meghaninagar.

Emergency services, including fire brigades, NDRF teams, and local police, responded quickly, but the scale of the fire made rescue efforts difficult. Several buildings caught fire, and medical personnel from BJMC were also reported injured or missing.

Tributes Pour In for Vijay Rupani

As the news of Vijay Rupani’s death spread, leaders from across the political spectrum, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, offered condolences. PM Modi, who is scheduled to visit the crash site on Friday, called Rupani’s passing a personal loss.

The BJP Central Leadership issued a statement:
“Vijaybhai was a dedicated karyakarta and statesman. His commitment to Gujarat’s development was unmatched. We mourn his passing in this national tragedy.”

Opposition leaders also paid their respects, including Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, who called Rupani a sincere public servant.

Rupani’s Political Journey

Born in 1956, Vijay Rupani began his political career with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and later rose through the ranks of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). He was known for his administrative experience, discipline, and focus on infrastructure development.

During his tenure as Chief Minister, he launched key schemes including:

• Smart Rajkot Development Plan

• Gujarat Garib Kalyan Mela

• Digital Governance Reforms

He stepped down in 2021, paving the way for Bhupendra Patel to take charge.

Global and National Attention

The crash of AI-171 is now being described as one of the worst aviation disasters in Indian history. It also marks the first-ever crash of a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, a model widely used by global airlines.

As international aviation authorities begin their review, US President Donald Trump has already offered America’s full assistance in the investigation.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) confirmed that the aircraft had issued a MAYDAY alert moments before going silent. Air India said it would fully cooperate with investigators.

Outpouring of Grief Across Gujarat

In Rajkot, Vijay Rupani's home constituency, thousands gathered outside his family residence upon hearing the news. Political flags were lowered to half-mast, and prayers and condolence messages flowed in from all quarters.

The Gujarat government has announced state mourning, and tributes will be paid in the upcoming legislative session.

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