Gujarat announces one-day state mourning tomorrow for Vijay Rupani who died in Air India plane crash

Air India plane crash: Gujarat has announced one-day state mourning tomorrow, June 16 for ex-Chief Minister Vijay Rupani who died in the deadly Ahmedabad plane crash. The last rites of the former CM will be held in Rajkot.

On Thursday, June 12, skies in Ahmedabad's Meghaninagar were filled with plumes of smoke after an Air India flight — a Boeing 787 — crashed into BJ Medical College Hostel's mess, shortly after takeoff.

The flight enroute London Gatwick airport, had 242 people on board, including Gujarat ex-CM Vijay Rupani, who was killed after the deadly crash. Only one passenger, seated at 11A during the time of the crash, miraculously survived — 241 others, including the pilot, crew were killed.

Vijay Rupani's DNA matches; last rites to be held in Rajkot

Three days after the harrowing crash, Vijay Rupani's DNA was matched with his remains found at the crash site, and his body was handed over to his family.

Gujarat's Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi confirmed the development on Sunday.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had met late Vijay Rupani's family members during his visit to the state, a day after the crash took place.

Who was Vijay Rupani

Vijay Rupani was the 16th Chief Minister of Gujarat, and served two terms from 2016 to 2021.

Born in Yangon, Myanmar, to Mayaben and Ramniklal Rupani in a Jain Bania family, Vijay Rupani was the youngest of seven sons. In 1960, his family relocated to Rajkot due to political unrest in Burma.

The ex-Gujarat CM had a degree in Arts from Dharmendrasinhji Arts College and studied Law at Saurashtra University.

Vijay Rupani's political career

Known as a low-profile leader within the BJP, Rupani had a reputation for being soft-spoken. He rose through the ranks of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), eventually becoming Gujarat's Chief Minister in 2016.

The ex-Gujarat CM's political career spans several decades. He began as a corporator of the Rajkot Municipal Corporation in 1987, and then went on to become Mayor of Rajkot (1996–1997), Rajya Sabha MP (2006–2012), and Gujarat state cabinet minister before becoming the chief minister in 2016.