Vijay Rupani: The Calm Force of Gujarat Whose Legacy Ended in Tragedy
Remembering Vijay Rupani: Gujarat’s Silent Strategist
Let’s be honest—politics is often noisy. But some leaders make their mark without ever raising their voice. Vijay Rupani was one of them.
Born in Myanmar (then Burma) and raised in Rajkot, Rupani wasn’t your typical power-hungry politician. He was the kind of leader who showed up, did the work, and quietly shaped Gujarat’s governance behind the scenes.
From Prisoner of Emergency to CM of Gujarat
Here's the thing—Rupani didn’t have a flashy start. During the Emergency in the '70s, he was just another young activist behind bars for standing up for democracy. But that fight shaped him. He climbed slowly, patiently:
- Municipal Councillor in 1987
- Mayor of Rajkot in 1996
- Rajya Sabha MP from 2006 to 2012
- Gujarat BJP President in 2016
- Chief Minister from 2016 to 2021
That climb tells you something—he earned every post the hard way.
A CM Who Preferred Action Over Headlines
Unlike his predecessors, Rupani didn’t chase the spotlight. While Modi and Shah were the faces of Gujarat’s political engine, Rupani kept it running quietly. Whether it was managing pandemic chaos or tackling floods, he stayed steady.
People remember him as Gujarat’s “calm force”—a leader who listened more than he spoke.
The Tragic End on AI Flight 171
On June 12, 2025, Rupani boarded Air India Flight AI 171. Moments after takeoff from Ahmedabad, the plane crashed, killing over 260 people. Rupani was among them.
What’s eerie? His lucky number was 1206—his birth and death date: 12/06.
It’s haunting, poetic, and painful.
Final Thoughts & A Quick Ask
Vijay Rupani’s story isn’t about shouting the loudest. It’s about leading with quiet strength. His death leaves a void—not just in Gujarat politics, but in the way we define leadership.
