PM Modi Pays Emotional Tribute to Former Gujarat CM Vijay Rupani, Meets Grieving Family After Air India Crash

In an emotionally charged moment that brought together grief, remembrance, and a deep sense of personal loss, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday met with the bereaved family of former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, who tragically lost his life in Thursday’s devastating Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad.

The accident, which claimed the lives of all 241 passengers aboard the London-bound Dreamliner, sent shockwaves across the country.

Among the dead was 68-year-old Vijay Rupani, a veteran Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and one of the most recognisable political figures in Gujarat.

Prime Minister Modi, who was in Ahmedabad to assess the aftermath of the crash and meet with survivors at the Civil Hospital, also took time to personally visit Rupani’s family at the GujSail building near the city’s airport.

There, he offered his heartfelt condolences to Rupani’s wife, Anjali Rupani, and other grieving family members.

Visibly moved, Modi later took to social media to share his sorrow over the untimely passing of a man he not only worked closely with for decades but also considered a trusted colleague and friend.

Met the family of Shri Vijaybhai Rupani Ji. It is unimaginable that Vijaybhai is not in our midst,” Modi posted on X (formerly Twitter). “I’ve known him for decades. We worked together, shoulder to shoulder, including during some of the most challenging times.”

The Prime Minister’s words captured more than just a formal tribute — they reflected a deep personal connection forged over decades of shared political journeys, intense policy discussions, and countless hours of joint public service.

Describing the late leader as “humble and hardworking,” Modi praised Rupani’s unwavering commitment to the ideals and philosophy of the BJP. “He firmly believed in the Party’s ideology and rose through the ranks, taking on various roles and responsibilities with sincerity and diligence,” he wrote.

From his early days in local governance with the Rajkot Municipal Corporation to becoming a Rajya Sabha MP, serving as Gujarat BJP president, and eventually being entrusted with the leadership of the state as Chief Minister, Rupani had, as Modi put it, “distinguished himself in every role.”

Rupani served as the Chief Minister of Gujarat for two consecutive terms, from August 7, 2016, to September 11, 2021, after winning the assembly elections from the Rajkot West constituency.

During his tenure, he introduced several people-centric reforms, with a special focus on improving governance, simplifying procedures, and enhancing the quality of life for citizens, key components of what Modi called the “Ease of Living” agenda.

The Prime Minister particularly highlighted their extensive collaboration during Rupani’s time as Chief Minister, recalling how their shared vision for Gujarat’s development led to impactful changes across sectors. “We worked extensively when he was Guthe Jarat CM.

He ushered in many measures that enhanced Gujarat’s growth trajectory,” Modi said. “I will always cherish the interactions we had.”

At the time of his death, Rupani was serving as the BJP’s in-charge for Punjab, continuing his dedication to the party even after stepping down as Chief Minister.

Despite his national responsibilities, Rupani remained a deeply grounded figure in Gujarat politics, known for his affable nature and approachability.

As Modi stood with Rupani’s grieving family, the moment served not just as a gesture of protocol but as an expression of heartfelt sorrow for a leader who had become an integral part of Gujarat’s political fabric — and of Modi’s journey through public life.

For many, Rupani was more than a politician. He was a mentor, a bridge-builder, and a quiet force behind many of Gujarat’s policy advancements. His sudden death in such a tragic and public way has left a vacuum in the state’s political landscape.

In closing his tribute, the Prime Minister said: “My thoughts are with his family and friends in this hour of grief. Om Shanti.”

As the nation continues to grapple with the enormity of the Air India crash and the lives lost, the memory of leaders like Vijay Rupani — and the relationships they built through decades of service — remain a solemn reminder of both the fragility of life and the enduring legacy of selfless leadership.