Gandhinagar (Gujarat) [India], June 16 (ANI): The passing of former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani has cast a pall of grief over the state. On Monday, the Gujarat Government accorded a solemn farewell to the late leader, commemorating his dedicated public service with full state honours, according to a release from the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO).
Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel led the tribute ceremony, where the mortal remains of Vijay Rupani were accorded a Guard of Honour in accordance with official government protocol. Following the tribute, his remains were respectfully handed over to his family, including his wife and son.
The Gujarat Government paid homage to Rupani’s leadership, highlighting his integrity, compassion, and numerous contributions to public welfare. His tenure as Chief Minister was remembered for his commitment to inclusive development and administrative transparency.
The solemn occasion at Civil Hospital was attended by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, Health Minister Rushikesh Patel, Minister of State for Home Harsh Sanghavi, Cooperation Minister Jagdish Vishwakarma, Rajya Sabha MP Mayank Nayak, and a host of other political leaders, senior bureaucrats, and community representatives who came together to pay their last respects.
Earlier in the day, Rupani’s mortal remains were transported to Rajkot for the final rites, which were scheduled for the evening at the Ramnathpara crematorium. The funeral procession was set to begin from his residence at 5 p.m.
In anticipation of the large turnout of dignitaries and the public, Rajkot Police implemented strict security arrangements and traffic diversions. DCP Crime Parthraj Singh Gohil issued advisories urging citizens to use designated parking areas. “Today, the last rites of former Gujarat CM Vijay Rupani will be performed. VIPs from across the state will be arriving. Accordingly, we have closed the main route for the procession. Adequate parking has been arranged at various locations, and we request the public to use these areas,” he said.
Vijay Rupani was among the 241 individuals who tragically lost their lives in the Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner crash near Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport on June 12. The aircraft, bound for London, collided with a doctor’s hostel complex shortly after takeoff, resulting in widespread casualties.
The disaster has shaken the state, with Rupani’s sudden demise adding to the profound national mourning. Among the 242 people on board, only one — Vishwashkumar Ramesh, a British national of Indian origin — survived and is currently undergoing treatment for his injuries.
Tragically, the crash also claimed the lives of at least 33 others on the ground, including several local residents and MBBS students.
As Gujarat bid farewell to one of its prominent leaders, the legacy of Vijay Rupani continues to resonate — a legacy built on vision, service, and commitment to the people. (ANI)
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