Sudden tragedy shakes Indian politics
Vijay Rupani Dies in Air India Plane Crash: On June 12, 2025, the country was shaken by the devastating crash of Air India Flight 171 near Ahmedabad. Among the 242 passengers who lost their lives was Vijay Rupani, former Chief Minister of Gujarat. He was on his way to London to reunite with family. News of his passing has left the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and many Indians in deep sorrow.
Early years and foundation in Gujarat
Born in 1956 in Yangon, then part of Burma, Vijay Rupani relocated to Rajkot as a child. He later earned a law degree from Saurashtra University, an institution known for producing several public figures. His early association with the RSS and ABVP laid the groundwork for his long political career with the BJP.
A career built from the grassroots
Rupani entered active politics during the Emergency period of 1975–77, when he was imprisoned for political activism. He began serving as a municipal corporator in Rajkot, steadily rising through the BJP’s ranks. In the 1990s, he held the post of Gujarat BJP General Secretary and was later elected to the Rajya Sabha (2006–2012). In 2014, he became the MLA for Rajkot West through a by-election.
Gujarat’s chief minister and his leadership
He served two terms as Gujarat’s Chief Minister, first taking office in 2016. Known for his calm nature and cooperative leadership, he continued until 2021, when he stepped down ahead of the assembly elections. During his tenure, he worked through significant events like the Patidar movement and focused on promoting Gujarat’s industrial growth and governance model.
His ability to connect with both grassroots workers and central leadership made him a key figure in the party’s state and national strategies.
Continued service at the national level
After leaving the chief minister’s post, Rupani was made National Vice President of the BJP. He was assigned to oversee party work in Punjab and Chandigarh, reflecting the leadership’s confidence in his disciplined and composed style.
Nation mourns a respected leader
Political leaders across India expressed shock and grief. C.R. Paatil referred to it as a major setback for the BJP, while Sunil Jakhar, BJP Punjab president, praised Rupani’s character and humility. The crash and his sudden death have left a void in Indian public life, particularly in Gujarat.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
| Topic | Details |
| Date of incident | June 12, 2025 |
| Flight details | Air India Flight 171, Ahmedabad to London |
| Notable passenger | Vijay Rupani |
| Age at death | 69 years |
| Political background | Bharatiya Janata Party |
| CM tenure | 2016 to 2021 |
| Education | Law degree, Saurashtra University |
| Early links | RSS, ABVP |
| National position | BJP Vice President for Punjab & Chandigarh |
| Legislative roles | Rajya Sabha MP (2006–2012), MLA (Rajkot West, from 2014) |
| Major events handled | Patidar agitation, development initiatives |
| Public response | Condolences from C.R. Paatil, Sunil Jakhar, other leaders |
