Kolkata, 14 June (H.S.) -The tragic and untimely death of former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani in the Air India Dreamliner crash on Thursday has sent shockwaves through political circles and left his extended family in Kolkata grappling with profound grief. Rupani was en route from Ahmedabad to London when the aircraft met with a fatal accident, claiming his life.

For the Rupani family living in Bhawanipur, South Kolkata, the news transformed into a deeply personal loss. Around 70-year-old Vipul Rupani, a cousin of the late leader, shared his devastation. “I have lost a guardian figure who stood by us through every joy and sorrow. He never treated us as distant relatives. For us, he was always ‘bada bhai’—an elder brother and a pillar of support,” said Vipul.

The Rupani family has been settled in Kolkata and surrounding areas for three generations. Nearly 25 family members, including Vijay Rupani’s elder brother Umed Rupani, still reside in parts of Kolkata and Howrah. The family branched out years ago when some members moved to Gujarat for education and eventually made it their home. Vijay Rupani belonged to that branch.

Recalling fond memories, Vipul said, “Vijaybhai visited Kolkata last year and stayed at Umedbhai’s house in Hazra. We spent hours talking and laughing together. Though he was no longer Chief Minister at the time, he never distanced himself from us.”

News of his presence on the ill-fated flight initially reached the family through a message in a private WhatsApp group. “At first, none of us knew he was on that plane. But once the confirmation came, we were all in shock,” said Vipul.

The tragedy hit Umed Rupani particularly hard. Unable to speak to anyone, he quietly left for Ahmedabad on Friday morning. “He didn’t answer any calls. He just left silently. Later, the official confirmation of Vijaybhai’s death shook the entire family,” Vipul added.

Vipul himself is preparing to travel to Gujarat soon. “Some of our family members are already there. I will be leaving shortly to join them,” he said.

Vijay Rupani, who served as Gujarat’s Chief Minister from August 2016 to September 2021, was known for maintaining close ties with his family despite his busy political life. His untimely demise has severed a vital emotional bond within the Rupani family—a loss they say will be hard to recover from.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh