Ahmedabad: A wave of grief swept across Gujarat as preparations began for the final farewell to former Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, whose death in the tragic Ahmedabad plane crash was officially confirmed through a DNA test on Saturday. Rupani’s cremation will take place today (June 16) in Rajkot with full state honours, as the state mourns the loss of one of its most prominent leaders.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, state BJP president C.R. Patil, and several senior BJP leaders and government officials are expected to be present for the last rites.
Gujarat Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi confirmed the DNA verification, stating, “The match came through at 11:10 am on June 15,” bringing closure to the suspense that had gripped the state since June 12, when Air India flight AI-171 crashed shortly after takeoff, killing 241 people.
Rupani’s mortal remains will be handed over to his family today at 11:30 am at Ahmedabad Civil Hospital, where they are expected to arrive by 11:00 am. After the completion of legal and ceremonial procedures, the body will be airlifted to Rajkot, with arrival expected between 12:30 pm and 2:00 pm.
Before the cremation, Rupani’s body will be kept for public viewing for one hour, allowing citizens and supporters to pay their final respects. The funeral procession will commence at 4:00 pm, with heavy participation anticipated from both national and regional political circles.
In a mark of respect, the Gujarat government has declared a one-day state mourning, with flags flying at half-mast and all official functions suspended for the day.
Vijay Rupani, a seasoned politician known for his calm demeanour and grassroots connection, served as Gujarat Chief Minister from 2016 to 2021. His untimely death in the AI-171 crash has sent shockwaves through the state and the nation. The only survivor of the crash has been identified as Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, an Indian-British national.
