New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi Friday paid tribute to former Gujarat chief minister Vijay Rupani, describing his death in the Air India plane crash as “unimaginable”, and remembering him as a dedicated party worker who excelled in every role assigned to him.
“Met the family of Shri Vijaybhai Rupani Ji. It is unimaginable that Vijaybhai is not in our midst,” the prime minister wrote on X, expressing sorrow over the leader’s death.
Modi said he knew Rupani 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 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,” Modi said in the post.
Rupani (68), who served as Gujarat chief minister from 2016 to 2021, was among the 242 people on board Air India flight AI-171 which crashed shortly after takeoff from the Ahmedabad airport Thursday afternoon.
He was reportedly en route to London to visit his daughter when the aircraft plunged into a building near the airport, killing nearly everyone on board. Rupani’s death in the country’s worst air disaster in recent memory has sent shockwaves through political circles.
The Prime Minister is currently in Ahmedabad to take stock of the situation following the crash. He visited hospitals, reviewed the ongoing rescue and relief efforts, and held meetings with state and central officials.
Modi also met Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, the lone survivor of the crash.
Modi also recounted Rupani’s journey through his career—from his beginnings in Rajkot’s municipal politics to his stint as a Rajya Sabha MP, Gujarat BJP president, and a minister in the state government.
“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,” Modi added. Recalling their close collaboration during Rupani’s tenure as CM, Modi said, “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.”
(Edited by Ajeet Tiwari)
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