How Did Rajkot Honor Former Gujarat CM Vijay Rupani During His Farewell?

Rajkot, June 16 (NationPress) The remains of Vijay Rupani, the former Chief Minister of Gujarat, who tragically lost his life in the Air India plane crash on June 12 in Ahmedabad, were transported to Rajkot on Sunday. His final rites will be conducted with full state honors.

The atmosphere in the city was filled with sorrow as political leaders, party members, and local residents came together to pay their last tributes.

Vijay Rupani was among the over 270 people who perished in the devastating crash that resulted in 241 passenger fatalities and additional casualties at the impact site. His identity was verified through DNA analysis, and his remains were officially handed over to his family at 11:30 a.m. today.

The body was moved from Ahmedabad Civil Hospital to Rajkot’s Hirasar Airport via a chartered flight, subsequently taken to his home, where a large crowd had gathered.

Attending the funeral were Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Gujarat Governor Acharya Devvrat, and Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, who expressed their condolences to the grieving family.

Prominent BJP figures, including Union Minister C.R. Patil and former Deputy CM Nitin Patel, were also in attendance.

As the funeral procession traversed through Rajkot, citizens lined the streets, showering flower petals and chanting slogans like "Vijaybhai Amar Raho." BJP supporters and local residents filled the roads from the airport to Shri Pujit Memorial Trust and onwards to Green Chowkdi, where the last rites will take place at 5 p.m. with full state protocol.

Vijay Rupani’s wife, Anjali Rupani, along with son Rishabh Rupani and other family members, arrived earlier at the Civil Hospital in Ahmedabad to receive the body. Senior state officials, including Health Minister Hrishikesh Patel and Minister of State for Home Harsh Sanghvi, were also present.

In a media statement, Rishabh Rupani expressed his condolences to all families affected by the tragic incident.

“This grief is not ours alone—it belongs to 270 families. I pray for peace for every soul lost. I am grateful to the health workers, police, civil defense, and RSS volunteers who worked diligently during this tragedy. I also thank Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and everyone who supported us during this sorrowful time,” he stated.

So far, 114 DNA matches have been confirmed in the ongoing identification process, with 64 remains returned to families. Officials indicate that the identification process is meticulous, and efforts are ongoing to finalize the remaining matches. Security measures have been heightened in Rajkot for the funeral, with DCP (Crime) Partharaj Singh Gohil announcing traffic restrictions along the route, including designated parking for visiting dignitaries and attendees.

Tribute Events Scheduled:

June 17: Public prayer meeting at Racecourse Ground, Rajkot (3–6 p.m.)

June 19: Condolence gathering at Helipad Ground, Gandhinagar (9 a.m.–12 p.m.)

June 20: Memorial service at BJP headquarters (4–6 p.m.)

As Gujarat mourns one of its esteemed leaders, the government has declared a one-day state-wide mourning on Monday, June 16. Flags will be flown at half-mast, with no official entertainment or events scheduled.