On June 18, 2025, the nation mourned the tragic loss of Vijay Rupani, a prominent Indian politician and former Chief Minister of Gujarat. He passed away in the Air India Flight 171 crash in Ahmedabad. Vijay Rupani was a respected leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). His life was full of dedication to public service. This article tells the story of his journey, from his early days to his rise as a key political figure in India.
Early Life and Family Background
Vijay Ramniklal Rupani was born on August 2, 1956, in Rangoon, Burma (now Yangon, Myanmar). His parents, Ramniklal Rupani and Mayaben, belonged to a Gujarati Jain Bania family. Vijay was the youngest of their seven sons. His father was a grain merchant in Burma. In 1960, political instability forced the family to leave Burma. They moved to Rajkot, Gujarat, India. In Rajkot, Vijay’s father started a new business trading ball bearings. This move shaped Vijay’s early life in Gujarat.
Vijay grew up in a modest household. His family valued hard work and community service. As a young boy, he was curious and eager to learn. He showed an early interest in helping others. His childhood was simple but filled with strong family values. These values guided him throughout his life.
Education and Early Interests
Vijay Rupani was a bright student. He studied at Dharmendrasinhji Arts College in Rajkot. He earned a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree. Later, he pursued law and completed his LLB from Saurashtra University. His education gave him a strong foundation. He was not only focused on studies but also on social activities.
During his college days, Vijay became active in student politics. He joined the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP). ABVP is a student group linked to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). Vijay was inspired by the RSS’s ideas of serving the nation. He joined the RSS in 1971. He also became a member of the Jan Sangh, a political group. These early steps marked the beginning of his political journey.
Vijay Rupani Age, Wikipedia, Biography, Net Worth, Daughter,Wife, Family
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Vijay Ramniklal Rupani |
| Date of Birth | August 2, 1956 |
| Place of Birth | Rangoon, Burma (now Yangon, Myanmar) |
| Family Background | Born to Ramniklal and Mayaben Rupani; youngest of seven sons; Jain Bania family |
| Early Life | Moved to Rajkot, Gujarat in 1960 due to political instability in Burma; father was a grain merchant, later traded ball bearings |
| Education | - Bachelor of Arts (BA), Dharmendrasinhji Arts College, Rajkot - LLB, Saurashtra University |
| Early Interests | - Joined Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) - Became RSS member in 1971 - Joined Jan Sangh |
| Political Beginnings | - Active in Navnirman movement and anti-corruption protests - Jailed for 11 months during Emergency (1975-1977) - RSS pracharak (1978-1981) |
| Local Politics | - Elected corporator, Rajkot Municipal Corporation (1987) - Chairman, RMC Standing Committee (1988-1996) - Mayor of Rajkot (1996-1997) |
| State/National Roles | - Chairman, Gujarat Tourism (2006) - General Secretary, BJP Gujarat unit (four times) - Rajya Sabha MP (2006-2012) - MLA, Rajkot West (2014) |
| Ministerial Roles | Minister for Transport, Water Supply, Labour and Employment under Anandiben Patel (2014-2016) |
| Chief Minister Tenure | 16th Chief Minister of Gujarat (August 7, 2016 - September 11, 2021); led BJP to victory in 2017 Gujarat Assembly elections |
| Key Achievements | - Launched Gujarat Industrial Policy 2020 - Promoted Statue of Unity, Metro Rail in Ahmedabad - Reduced LED bulb prices under UJALA Yojana - Started Shramik Annapurna Yojana for affordable meals |
| Post-CM Role | BJP in-charge for Punjab after resigning as CM in 2021 |
| Personal Life | Married to Anjali Rupani (BJP Mahila Morcha member); three children: Radhika, Rishabh, Pujit (Pujit died in a car accident); founded Shri Pujit Rupani Memorial Trust |
| Business Background | Stockbroker and partner in father’s firm, Rasiklal & Sons; Chairman, Saurashtra-Kutch Stock Exchange |
| Controversy | Vijay Rupani HUF fined ₹15 lakhs by SEBI in 2011 for alleged manipulative trading in Sarang Chemicals |
| Date of Passing | June 12, 2025 |
| Cause of Death | Died in Air India Flight 171 crash in Ahmedabad while traveling to London to visit daughter Radhika |
| Legacy | Known for humble and calm leadership; contributed to Gujarat’s growth (e.g., new airport, AIIMS); remembered as a dedicated patriot and public servant |
Political Beginnings and Struggles
Vijay Rupani was passionate about public service. In the 1970s, India faced a tough time during the Emergency (1975-1977). The government imposed strict rules, and many people protested. Vijay was one of them. He joined the Navnirman movement and anti-corruption protests. He was jailed for 11 months in Bhavnagar Jail for his activism. This experience made him stronger. It showed his commitment to justice and freedom.
After the Emergency, Vijay continued his work with the RSS. From 1978 to 1981, he served as an RSS pracharak (full-time worker). He traveled across Gujarat, spreading the RSS’s message. His hard work and dedication earned him respect. In 1987, Vijay entered local politics. He was elected as a corporator in the Rajkot Municipal Corporation (RMC). He worked hard to improve the city’s drainage system. He later became the Chairman of the RMC Standing Committee from 1988 to 1996.
Rise in Politics
Vijay Rupani’s political career grew steadily. In 1996, he was elected Mayor of Rajkot. He served until 1997. As Mayor, he worked to make Rajkot cleaner and better. People admired his calm and humble nature. In 2006, he was appointed Chairman of Gujarat Tourism. He promoted Gujarat as a tourist destination. His efforts helped boost the state’s economy.
Vijay also served as the General Secretary of the BJP’s Gujarat unit four times. He was known for his organizational skills. In 2006, he was elected to the Rajya Sabha, India’s upper house of Parliament. He represented Gujarat until 2012. During this time, he worked closely with senior BJP leaders like Narendra Modi and Amit Shah. His loyalty to the party was clear.
In 2014, Vijay Rupani won a by-election from the Rajkot West constituency. This seat was earlier held by Narendra Modi and later by Vajubhai Vala. Vijay won by a large margin. He joined the Gujarat government as a minister under Chief Minister Anandiben Patel. He handled important roles like Transport, Water Supply, and Labour and Employment. His work focused on improving infrastructure and workers’ welfare.
Chief Minister of Gujarat
In February 2016, Vijay Rupani became the President of the BJP’s Gujarat unit. He held this post for a few months. In August 2016, Anandiben Patel resigned as Chief Minister. The BJP chose Vijay Rupani as her successor. On August 7, 2016, he was sworn in as the 16th Chief Minister of Gujarat. This was a big moment in his career.
As Chief Minister, Vijay worked hard for Gujarat’s growth. He led the state through tough times, including the post-COVID recovery. His government launched the Gujarat Industrial Policy 2020. This policy aimed to create jobs and attract businesses. He also started welfare programs for tribal communities. His calm and firm leadership earned him respect.
In 2017, Vijay led the BJP to victory in the Gujarat Assembly elections. The party won, and he continued as Chief Minister. During his tenure, he worked on projects like the Statue of Unity and Metro Rail in Ahmedabad. He reduced the price of LED bulbs under the UJALA Yojana. This helped people save money on electricity. His government also provided affordable meals to construction workers through the Shramik Annapurna Yojana.
Vijay Rupani served as Chief Minister until September 11, 2021. He stepped down voluntarily before the state elections. This showed his humility and loyalty to the BJP. Bhupendra Patel became the new Chief Minister. After resigning, Vijay took on the role of BJP in-charge for Punjab. He continued to serve the party with dedication.
Personal Life and Family
Vijay Rupani was married to Anjali Rupani. She was a member of the BJP Mahila Morcha, the party’s women’s wing. The couple had three children: a daughter, Radhika, and two sons, Rishabh and Pujit. Sadly, they lost their youngest son, Pujit, in a car accident. In his memory, Vijay and Anjali founded the Shri Pujit Rupani Memorial Trust. This trust helps poor and needy people. Radhika moved to London with her husband and son in 2015. Vijay was traveling to visit her when the tragic plane crash happened.
Before politics, Vijay worked as a stockbroker. He was a partner in his father’s trading firm, Rasiklal & Sons. He also served as Chairman of the Saurashtra-Kutch Stock Exchange. His business background helped him understand economic issues.
Controversies
In 2011, Vijay Rupani’s Hindu Undivided Family (HUF) was linked to a stock market issue. The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) accused 22 entities, including Vijay Rupani HUF, of manipulative trading in Sarang Chemicals. SEBI said they created false market activity. Vijay’s HUF was fined ₹15 lakhs. He said he was not given a chance to explain his side. Despite this, his reputation as a clean and honest leader remained strong.
Tragic End
On June 12, 2025, Vijay Rupani boarded Air India Flight 171 from Ahmedabad to London. He was traveling to meet his daughter, Radhika, and to accompany his wife back home. The flight, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, carried 242 passengers and crew. Sadly, it crashed shortly after takeoff. The plane hit a hostel building at B.J. Medical College in Ahmedabad. The crash caused a massive fire. Vijay Rupani and 240 others on board lost their lives. At least 38 people on the ground also died. This was one of India’s worst air disasters.
Vijay believed the number 1206 was his lucky number. His vehicles had this number on their plates. In a sad twist, he passed away on June 12 (12/06), 2025. The crash shocked the nation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi called it “heartbreaking.” He met Vijay’s family to offer condolences. BJP leaders like C.R. Patil and Sambit Patra mourned his loss. They called him a humble and dedicated leader.
Legacy and Impact
Vijay Rupani’s life was a story of hard work and service. He rose from a student activist to the Chief Minister of Gujarat. His calm nature and strong leadership touched many lives. In Rajkot, people remember him as a kind neighbor. He was always ready to help. His work in Gujarat, like the new airport and AIIMS, left a lasting mark.
Vijay Rupani was a true patriot. His journey began in Burma and ended in tragedy. But his contributions to Gujarat and India will not be forgotten. He was a man of few words but big actions. His life inspires young Indians to serve their country with honesty and courage.
Conclusion
Vijay Rupani’s biography is a tale of dedication and resilience. From his early days in Burma to his rise in Indian politics, he showed what hard work can achieve. His leadership as Chief Minister helped Gujarat grow. His personal life was marked by love for his family and service to the poor. The tragic plane crash ended his life, but his legacy lives on. Vijay Rupani will always be remembered as a gentle and strong leader in Indian politics.