Shradhanjali to Vijay Rupani | Tribute & Biography

Introduction:

Start with a warm, respectful tribute:

Rangoon-born youth to the Chief Minister of Gujarat, that is the journey of Vijay Rupani—spanning silent leadership, death in the Air India crash of 2025, and everything associated with it.

Former Gujarat CM Vijay Rupani was a unique personality who also had qualities of calm leadership. Such an unusual leader would rather approach the government in providing relief in Gujarat during the coronavirus pandemic than make typical political moves. The death of this former Rajkot West representative in an unfortunate plane crash on February 6, 2025, has turned him into a news icon in Gujarat.

It is widely known that his contributions in the field of public service for Gujarat will only be remembered: former MLA from Rajkot West, also Gujarat CM, and some other titles.

Early Life & Background

Birth and Family Roots. On 2 August 1956, he was born in Rangoon (now Yangon), Burma, to Ramniklal Rupani and Mayaben. He was born into a Jain Bania family, which was involved in trading.

The family migrated to Rajkot in Gujarat in 1960 after the political turmoil in Myanmar.

 Education & Personal Life Completed a BA from Dharmendrasinhji Arts College, Rajkot, and an LLB from Saurashtra University.

Married to Anjali Rupani, a social worker and member of the BJP women’s wing, with three children (Radhika, Rushabh, and the late Pujit). 

Political Journey

Activism During an Emergency

From 1971. Students’ activism in ABVP as well as RSS/Jan Sangh since the mid-1970s. Participated in the Navnirman Andolan movement and spent approximately 11 months imprisoned during the emergency in Bhuj and Bhavnagar in 1976. Early Political Roles: Elected in 1987; Rajkot Municipal Corporation in 1996; became the Mayor and held that post for 1 year (1997). Family Root App: An RSS pracharak (1978-1981), BJP, and Gujarat State General Secretary thereafter. State and national representation: Rajya Sabha MP for Gujarat (2006-2012). He also chaired the Gujarat tourism and Finance boards. Elected MLA from Rajkot West in the bye-election in October 2014.

Peace activists during the emergency

Students activists of ABVP and RSS/Jan Sangh from 1971. Participated in Navnirman Andolan for about 11 months in jail during the emergency in Bhuj and Bhavnagar in 1976. Early political roles: Rajkot Municipal Corporation, 1987; later, the Mayor (1996-1997).

State and National Representation

Rajya Sabha MP for Gujarat (2006-2012). Also, the chair of the Gujarat tourism and finance boards. Elected MLA for Rajkot West in October by-elections, 2014.

Ministry Positions & BJP Leadership

Served in Anandiben Patel’s cabinet (transport, water supply, labour & employment portfolios).

Became the BJP Gujarat President in February 2016 and served until August 2016.

As Chief Minister of Gujarat (2016–2021)

First term (August 2016-December 2017)—Sworn in on 7 August 2016, following the resignation of Anandiben Patel. Nitinbhai Patel was his deputy.

Second Term (December 2017-September 2021)—Sworn in for a second term on 26 December 2017, after re-election. Held office until resignation on 11 September 2021; succeeded by Bhupendrabhai Patel. 

Having overseen several initiatives on infrastructure development, ease of living, and public welfare, he is known for his low-profile and steady leadership style.

Leadership Style & Legacy

The Calm and Measured is consistently portrayed as calm in times of emergency, systematic in administration, and quietly influential in the BJP.

Development Focus Industrial and tourism growth in places like Rajkot and Saurashtra, and the main figure behind the “Khushboo Gujarat Ki” branding campaign.

Reputation & Relationships Retained strong trust with the party leadership, including PM Narendra Modi. Appreciated for his organisational skills and worker coordination.

Tragic Demise & Public Condolences

Air India Plane Crash On June 12, 2025, Rupani was flying on Air India Flight 171 bound for London when the plane crashed after departing from Ahmedabad. He perished along with 241 others aboard that flight.

Mournings & Tributes: A state day of mourning was declared in Gujarat. Rajkot shops were closed in honour of the same. PM Modi and senior party leaders came to his family for condolences, being gentle, hard-working, and committed.

Shradhanjali Sabhas A number of tributes and memorial meetings were arranged, including J.P. Nadda and state BJP.

Final Note

This tribute page offers a respectful, thorough look at Vijay Rupani—his roots, political ascent, calm but resolute leadership, public service, and untimely death.

Image Source: Google