Delhi, 13 June (H.S.): Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences for the death of former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani in the Ahmedabad air disaster, recognizing his distinguished career and contributions as Rajkot Municipal Corporation member, Rajya Sabha MP, Gujarat BJP President, and Cabinet Minister.

In a thread post on X, PM 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.”

“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 died in the Air India-171 crash in Ahmedabad on Thursday. His wife, Anjali Rupani, arrived in Ahmedabad the following day. Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu confirmed Rupani's presence on the flight, which had 241 people onboard, all of whom perished.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar