What is the Unbreakable Bond Between PM Modi and Vijay Rupani?

New Delhi, June 14 (NationPress) The devastating Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad has tragically taken the life of former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, sending ripples of sorrow through India's political landscape.

Rupani, who initiated his political career as a corporator in the Rajkot Municipal Corporation in 1987, gradually ascended through various roles, including Mayor, Rajya Sabha MP, Gujarat BJP President, and Cabinet Minister, ultimately serving as Chief Minister starting in 2016.

During this journey, he was a loyal ally of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, recognized for his quiet dedication and adherence to the party's principles.

In this somber moment, a collection of photographs conveys stories that words cannot. Images shared on the X handle of “Modi Archives” reveal the lasting friendship between Prime Minister Modi and the late Vijay Rupani — these snapshots now serve as memories of a shared path frozen in time.

A look at these photos narrates a tale beyond mere politics. They highlight a bond that transcended the political arena, showcasing two men who stood together not just in the spotlight but also in the pivotal moments of Gujarat's political evolution.

One photograph from the late 1990s in Rajkot captures a younger Narendra Modi, not yet the national leader he would soon become, standing alongside Vijay Rupani at a party event.

Their genuine expressions and the modest setting reflect a shared purpose that is undeniable.

Another image depicts the warmth of trust as PM Modi places a reassuring hand on Rupani's shoulder during his swearing-in as Chief Minister in 2016.

This simple gesture radiates profound familiarity, born from years of shared ideology, struggle, and discipline within the BJP.

One striking image shows the two walking together at a Vibrant Gujarat Summit, with Modi, then Prime Minister, slightly ahead, while Rupani matches his pace without hesitation. This subtle act symbolizes a legacy of leadership that is not just endorsed but carefully nurtured.

In another cherished photograph, PM Modi, then Gujarat’s Chief Minister, is seen beside Rupani at a BJP event in Rajkot.

Both men are smiling — not for the cameras, but in quiet confidence, united by a shared mission. Another frame from Rupani’s swearing-in ceremony in 2016 shows PM Modi's hand resting on Rupani's shoulder, a gesture signifying trust, mentorship, and a bond forged in Gujarat’s political landscape.

One memorable photograph from the Vibrant Gujarat Summit features Rupani, as Chief Minister, walking alongside PM Modi, flanked by international dignitaries.

This image reflects not merely decorum but a collaborative partnership that significantly influenced Gujarat’s economic narrative. In a more candid moment, the two are captured in conversation at Sabarmati Ashram, their expressions contemplative, seemingly reflecting on the values that guided their public lives.

These photos are not mere staged political acts; they are living records of a friendship forged long before the national spotlight shone upon them.

In one of the most heartwarming images from their extensive political journey, Vijay Rupani is seen offering sweets to Prime Minister Modi — a moment that encapsulates not just celebration but profound personal warmth.

This occasion, likely following an electoral victory or significant party milestone, shows PM Modi smiling comfortably among trusted friends.

Rupani’s gesture is affectionate, almost family-like, with PM Modi’s expression reflecting a bond that goes beyond formalities.

Another photograph in the Modi Archives, while more formal, is equally revealing, showing the two leaders at a press conference.

PM Modi, then a towering national figure, and Rupani, the Chief Minister of Gujarat, sit side by side, aligned in both message and mission.

The backdrop features the party’s emblem, yet the real narrative lies in their body language: attentive, composed, and in harmony.

Rupani listens intently as PM Modi addresses the media, his demeanor respectful yet confident.

This tableau portrays a political partnership — one cultivated in Gujarat’s transformation and carried forward into the national arena.

Following the Air India crash, when PM Modi visited Rupani’s family, the sorrow on his face was deeply personal, not merely political.

“We worked together during some of the most challenging times,” he remarked, and the images in the archives bear testimony to that sentiment.

Their journey was not just about headline moments; it was built on grassroots campaigns, 'non-glamorous' organizational roles, and a shared resolve to uplift Gujarat and later serve the nation. These images now carry the weight of shared memories.

When Prime Minister Modi visited Rupani’s family post-crash, his sentiments echoed the emotions captured in those photographs: “We worked together, shoulder to shoulder, including during the toughest times.” It was more than a political alliance — it was a bond of kinship.