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An Air India flight bound for London crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad, with 232 passengers onboard, including former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani.
Ahmedabad plane crash
Former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani on Thursday died after an Air India plane crashed near the Ahmedabad airport on Thursday. Over 200 people are feared dead in the tragedy.
Gujarat BJP state president CR Patil confirmed Rupani’s death and said this is a great loss for the party.
“Our leader, former Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, was also on that flight. Vijay Rupani died in this tragedy. May God grant peace to his soul. This is a great loss for the BJP family as well,” Patil said.
Vijay Rupani: Former Gujarat CM, Who Was Jailed During Emergency, Killed In Air India Plane Crash
Punjab BJP chief Sunil Jahkhar said Rupani’s contributions as Gujarat CM would be cherished forever.
“Extremely saddened and heartbroken to learn that Sh.Vijay Rupani ji was on board the ill fated Air India plane which crashed today in Ahemdabad today. His contributions as Gujarat CM would be cherished forever. He was a humble and compassionate human being and a grassroots leader. I have had the lucky fortune of being associated with him as he was incharge of Punjab BJP. He was a real “gentleman politician”. Not only Gujrat has lost a great leader in him but it is a personal loss for me, as I found his gentle and soft demeanour so endearing. His sagacity and simplicity in public life will be missed,” he wrote.
Former Punjab CM and BJP leader Amarinder Singh said Rupani’s unwavering commitment to public service will always be remembered.
“Saddened by the tragic demise of former Gujarat Chief Minister Shri Vijay Rupani Ji in the unfortunate plane crash near Ahmedabad. His unwavering commitment to public service will always be remembered. My deepest condolences to his family and loved ones in this moment of grief,” he wrote in a post on X.
Talking to reporters, Vijay Rupani’s neighbours expressed concerns about his well-being.
Rupani’s wife, Anjali Rupani, is known to be there in London, and the former Chief Minister was believed to be visiting the UK to bring her back.
Former Minister Bhupendrasinh Chudasama said, “I had a program at Gujarat Vidyapeeth. After returning, I was having lunch and turned on the TV when I saw that a flight from Ahmedabad to London had crashed. I became worried because I knew Vijay Rupani was scheduled to travel to London today, though I didn’t know he was on this flight. I immediately turned off the TV and came to his residence in Gandhinagar. I am now heading to the civil airport for more information.”
Ahmedabad Plane Crash
The flight crashed soon after it took off for London, and was carrying nearly 232 passengers at the time of the accident.
In an official statement, Air India confirmed the plane crash and said it was following up for more details.
“Flight AI171, operating Ahmedabad-London Gatwick, was involved in an incident today, 12 June 2025. At this moment, we are ascertaining the details and will share further updates at the earliest,” it said.
Vani Mehrotra is the Deputy News Editor at News18.com. She has nearly 10 years of experience in both national and international news and has previously worked on multiple desks.
Vani Mehrotra is the Deputy News Editor at News18.com. She has nearly 10 years of experience in both national and international news and has previously worked on multiple desks.
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