Who was Vijay Rupani?

Vijay Rupani was a respected Indian politician and senior leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). He served as the Chief Minister of Gujarat from August 2016 to September 2021 and played a key role in shaping the state's development and governance during his term.

Early Life and Education

Born on August 2, 1956, in Rangoon (now Yangon), Myanmar, Vijay Rupani’s family migrated to Rajkot, Gujarat, due to political unrest. He completed his graduation in Arts and Law from Saurashtra University and was actively involved in social work and student movements during his early years. Influenced by RSS ideology, he soon entered active politics through the BJP.

Political Career

• Began as a student activist and rose through BJP’s organizational structure.
• Served as Mayor of Rajkot, and later held several key posts in the Gujarat BJP.
• Elected as MLA from Rajkot West in 2014.
• Briefly served as Minister for Transport, Labor, and Water Supply in Gujarat.
• In 2016, he became the 16th Chief Minister of Gujarat, succeeding Anandiben Patel.

During his term, Rupani focused on:

• Promoting digital governance and public service delivery through schemes like Seva Setu and Digital Gujarat.
• Handling the COVID-19 crisis in Gujarat.
• Boosting industrial and infrastructure growth in the state.

Resignation and Later Life

Vijay Rupani resigned in September 2021, ahead of the state elections. While he stepped down from the CM post, he continued to work actively in politics and remained an important figure in the BJP.

Tragic Death in Ahmedabad Plane Crash

In a shocking incident, Vijay Rupani lost his life in a tragic plane crash near Ahmedabad in 12 June 2025. Reports suggest that the crash may have been caused by engine failure or a bird hit, though investigations are still underway. His sudden death left a deep void in Gujarat’s political landscape and was mourned nationwide.

Final Words

Vijay Rupani will be remembered as a leader who rose from the grassroots, worked for public welfare, and served Gujarat with dedication. His leadership style, grounded in simplicity and commitment, continues to inspire many in the political sphere.