Ahmedabad: Prime Minister Narendra Modi today condoled the death of ex-Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani in the recent Ahmedabad air disaster even as he acknowledged his role in boosting the state government’s progress and ‘ease of living’.
The Prime Minister expressed his heartfelt condolences in a tribute posted on social media platform X. In his statement, Modi remembered Rupani as a dedicated and humble leader, who played pivotal roles throughout his political journey — from the Rajkot Municipal Corporation, to being a Rajya Sabha MP, Gujarat BJP President, and eventually the Chief Minister of Gujarat.
Modi wrote: “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 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.”
“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.”
Rupani was among the 242 people on board Air India Flight AI171, which crashed moments after takeoff from Ahmedabad’s Airport en route to London’s Gatwick Airport
