New Delhi, June 16
The tragic plane crash in Ahmedabad claimed the life of former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, leaving the political fraternity in shock. The flight, enroute to London from the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, had 242 passengers and crew members on board.
Vijay Rupani, a stalwart of Gujarat politics, began his political journey as a corporator in the Rajkot Municipal Corporation in 1987. From humble beginnings, he steadily rose through the ranks—serving as Mayor of Rajkot, a Rajya Sabha MP, President of the Gujarat BJP, Cabinet Minister, and eventually became the Chief Minister of Gujarat in 2016.
Beyond his political journey, Rupani shared a profound and long-standing association with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, rooted in their early efforts to strengthen the BJP in Gujarat.
“Modi Story,†a popular social media handle on X, on Monday shared a video clip of Vijay Rupani recalling their deep camaraderie and political journey. The caption read: “Vijay Rupani ji shared a deep and long-standing bond with PM Narendra Modi. Their association goes back to the early days of strengthening the Gujarat BJP together. Later, when Modi ji became Chief Minister, they continued shaping a new Gujarat together. Rupani ji made a significant contribution during his own tenure as CM.â€
In the video, Rupani fondly recalled the time when Narendra Modi contested his first election from the Rajkot constituency — later represented by himself.
“The entire responsibility of managing that election fell on me. I oversaw every detail,†he said.
“It was Narendra Bhai’s first election. Amit Bhai (Amit Shah) also came to Rajkot and stayed for a month to work alongside me. We managed everything together.â€
In the video, he is also heard sharing a telling anecdote about PM Modi’s meticulous nature.
“Every day, Modi ji would call us from Gandhinagar, asking about even the smallest details. I once told Amit Bhai, ‘Why is he stressing over such small things?’ And Amit Bhai replied with a beautiful analogy: ‘When a tailor is preparing for his own wedding, he stitches his own coat and checks every single stitch. Modi ji has helped so many others contest elections. Now, for the first time, the tailor is getting married—he’s contesting himself. Naturally, every detail matters to him.’â€
However, the ill-fated Dreamliner flight brought an end to this long-standing association, as Vijay Rupani was among the 241 passengers onboard the AI-171 plane, who met with devastating fate in June 12 mishap.
On June 13, Prime Minister Modi met with Vijay Rupani’s family and offered his condolences.
He later posted on X: “Met the family of Shri Vijaybhai Rupani Ji. It is unimaginable that Vijaybhai is not in our midst. I’ve known him for decades—we worked shoulder to shoulder, even during the most challenging times. He was humble, hardworking, and deeply committed to the Party’s ideology.â€
— IANS
Reader Comments
Such a tragic loss for Gujarat and Indian politics. Rupani ji was a true grassroots leader who rose from municipal politics to CM. His association with PM Modi shows how personal bonds shape political journeys. That tailor analogy is so profound! ðŸ™
Heartbreaking news. While I may not agree with all his policies, one must respect how he dedicated his life to public service. The aviation safety angle also needs attention - 241 lives lost is unacceptable. My prayers for all victims' families.
The political journey from Rajkot corporator to Gujarat CM is truly inspiring for young leaders. His contributions during the 2001 earthquake rehabilitation were remarkable. Hope his legacy continues to guide Gujarat's development.
That anecdote about PM Modi's attention to detail says so much about both leaders. In today's politics, we rarely see such long-term relationships. Though I'm from opposition, I respect their dedication to Gujarat's growth. Om Shanti 🕯ï¸
As a Rajkot native, I remember Rupani ji's work as our mayor - he transformed the city's infrastructure. The Modi-Rupani partnership brought stability to Gujarat politics. But this tragedy raises questions about aircraft maintenance standards that must be addressed.
The human side of politics we often forget - these were real friendships beyond politics. My father worked under Rupani ji during his CM tenure and always praised his accessibility. The nation has lost a simple, hardworking leader. May his soul rest in peace.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.