‘We worked shoulder to shoulder’: PM Modi meets family of Vijay Rupani, Gujarat ex-CM who died in Air India plane crash

Air India Plane Crash: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday met the family of Vijay Rupani, the former Gujarat chief minister, who tragically died in the Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad. Rupani was among the 242 people on board the Boeing 787 Dreamliner that crashed shortly after takeoff while en route to London on Thursday. 

The Prime Minister expressed his condolences and assured Vijay Rupani's family of all possible support during this difficult time.

What did PM Modi say about Vijay Rupani?

PM Modi 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 together, shoulder to shoulder, including during some of the most challenging times. Vijaybhai was humble and hardworking, firmly committed to the (BJP) Party's ideology. Rising up the ranks, he held various responsibilities in the Organisation and went on to serve diligently as Gujarat’s Chief Minister," PM Modi added.

“In every role assigned, he distinguished himself, be it in the Rajkot Municipal Corporation, as Rajya Sabha MP, as Gujarat BJP President and as Cabinet Minister in the state government.”

“Vijaybhai and I also worked extensively when he was Gujarat CM. He ushered in many measures that enhanced Gujarat’s growth trajectory, particularly in boosting ‘Ease of Living.’ Will always cherish the interactions we had. My thoughts are with his family and friends in this hour of grief. Om Shanti.”

Vijay Rupani dies in Air India plane crash

Former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, who was onboard the London-bound Air India flight that went down just minutes after taking off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Airport in Ahmedabad, died in the horrific crash. Vijay Rupani is the second former Gujarat chief minister to have died in an air disaster.

According to reports, Vijay Rupani was listed as passenger number 12 on the flight manifest and booked in the Z class, which is under the business class category. He is survived by his wife, Anjali Rupani, and two children — a son and a daughter.

Vijay Rupani was a prominent BJP leader who served as the 16th chief minister of Gujarat from 2016 to 2021, completing two consecutive terms.