Vijay Rupani, the 16th Chief Minister of Gujarat, was in office from August 2016 to September 2021
Senior BJP leader and former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani died in the Air India flight crash in Ahmedabad on Thursday, authorities said. He was 68.
The plane was headed to Gatwick airport in the UK, Air India said, when it crashed in a civilian area near the airport.
"The flight, which departed from Ahmedabad at 1338 hrs, was carrying 242 passengers and crew members on board the Boeing 787-8 aircraft. Of these, 169 are Indian nationals, 53 are British nationals, 1 Canadian national and 7 Portuguese nationals," Air India posted on X.
Union Minister and Gujarat BJP president CR Patil said "Vijay Rupani was "among victims" in this incident.
"Our leader and former Chief Minister, Vijay Rupani, was going (to London) to meet his family. He is also a victim in this incident. May his soul rest in peace. This is a big loss for the BJP," said Mr Patil.
Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu confirmed that Vijay Rupani was on the doomed plane.
"We are going to do a fair and thorough investigation, and probe why this incident happened. We still have to find out the numbers...Very sad to know that (BJP leader) Vijay Rupani was also there, as were other nationals," said the Minister.
Vijay Rupani, the 16th Chief Minister of Gujarat, was in office from August 2016 to September 2021. Known for his composed demeanour and firm administrative style, he steered Gujarat through a critical phase of post-Covid recovery.
His tenure also saw the launch of the Gujarat Industrial Policy 2020 and initiatives for tribal upliftment. He stepped down from the Chief Minister's post in September 2021, making way for Bhupendra Patel, as part of a party strategy to refresh leadership ahead of state elections.
However, the veteran leader, who began his political journey as a municipal corporator in Rajkot in 1987, remained a key advisor and continued to be active in party affairs and public service.
Mr Rupani was married to Anjali Rupani, a social worker and philanthropist. The couple has one son.
According to the seat chart, Vijay Rupani was on seat 2D of the Air India flight. He was on his way to London to meet his daughter.
Merely two minutes into the ascent, at around 1.40 p.m., the aircraft lost altitude and crashed into a medical college hostel building in the Meghani Nagar area, sparking a massive fire and widespread panic in the locality.
Rescue personnel reported that the black box of the aircraft has been recovered and will be crucial in determining the exact cause of the crash.
The Boeing 787 Dreamliner is one of the most advanced jets in service and experts say it has a generally strong safety record, with no previous fatal accidents.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the tragedy is "heartbreaking beyond words".
"The tragedy in Ahmedabad has stunned and saddened us. It is heartbreaking beyond words," PM Modi posted on X.
"In this sad hour, my thoughts are with everyone affected by it. Have been in touch with Ministers and authorities who are working to assist those affected," the Prime Minister added.
Previous Air Disasters
In August 2020, at least 18 people died and 16 were severely injured when an Air India Express Boeing 737 plane skidded off the runway in Kozhikode during heavy rain, plunged into a valley and crashed nose-first into the ground.
In May 2010, an Air India Boeing 737 flight from Dubai overshot the runway at the airport in Mangaluru and crashed into a ravine, killing 158 people on board.
(Helpline numbers: 011-24610843 | 9650391859 | 1800 5691 444 (Air India)
