Ahmedabad Plane Crash: Who is Vijay Rupani, former Gujarat CM, on board?

A London-bound Air India flight carrying 242 passengers crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad airport on Thursday, triggering a massive emergency response. The incident occurred near the Meghaninagar area of the city. The rescue teams had been rushed to the spot. All efforts are being made to ensure that medical aid and relief support are immediately provided. 

Air India confirms that flight AI171, from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, was involved in a tragic accident today after take-off. The flight, which departed from Ahmedabad at 13:38 hours, was carrying 242 passengers and crew members on board the Boeing 787-8 aircraft. Of these, 169 are Indian nationals, 53 are British nationals, 1 Canadian national, and 7 are Portuguese nationals. Former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani was also onboard the same flight. Let’s take a quick look at his life and career.

Vijay Ramniklal Rupani’s early life and education

Vijay Rupani was born on August 2, 1956, in Rangoon (now Yangon), Myanmar, to a Jain Bania family. His family moved to Rajkot, India, in 1960 due to political instability in Burma. 
His educational background includes a Bachelor of Arts from Dharmendrasinghji A.C. College in 1977 and an LL.B from A.M.P. Law College in 1980, both under Saurashtra University.

Vijay Rupani’s family background

Vijay Rupani comes from a big family, being the youngest of seven children. He is married to Anjali Rupani, and they have three children together. Sadly, they lost their youngest son, Pujit, at a young age. 

Vijaykumar Ramniklal Rupani career

Vijaykumar Ramniklal Rupani succeeded Anandiben Patel and was sworn in as the Chief Minister of Gujarat on 7 August 2016. In the Gujarat Legislative Assembly election, 2017, he retained Rajkot West constituency defeating the Indian National Congress candidate Indranil Rajyaguru. He was unanimously elected as the leader of the legislative party on 22 December 2017. 

Vijay Ramniklal Rupani is an Indian politician from the Bharatiya Janata Party. He is a member of the Gujarat Legislative Assembly representing Rajkot West. 

Political Timeline of Vijaykumar Ramniklal Rupani

• 2021: Stepped down as the chief minister of Gujarat on the 11th September, 2021
• 2017: On 22 December 2017, he again took oath as the Chief Minister of Gujarat with Nitin Patel as the Deputy Chief Minister.
• 2017: Again, he won the Gujarat Assembly Election from the Rajkot West constituency and retained the post of Chief Minister of Gujarat.
• 2016: He became the 16th Chief Minister of Gujarat on 7 August 2016. On the other hand, he became the President of the BJP, Gujarat.
• 2015: He was inducted into the Cabinet of former CM Anandiben Patel and became Minister of Transport, Water Supply, Labour, and Employment.
• 2014: On 19 October 2014, he won the assembly bypoll and became the MLA from Rajkot West. The seat was vacated after Vajubhai Vala resigned from the Gujarat Assembly.
• 2013: He became chairman of the Gujarat Municipal Finance Board.
• 2006: He served as a member of the Rajya Sabha from 2006-2012. He became the Chairman of the Gujarat Tourism Corporation in 2006.
• 1998: He became the general secretary of the Gujarat BJP. He was also the Chairman of the Gujarat Government’s ‘Manifesto Implementation Committee’, from 1998 to 2002.
• 1995: Rupani was again elected to the RMC. He served as the mayor of Rajkot from 1996 to 1997.
• 1987: He was elected as Rajkot Municipal Corporator and Chairman of the Drainage Committee. He was the Chairman of the Standing Committee of RMC from 1988 to 1996.
• 1978: He worked as a Pracharak of RSS till 1981.
• 1976: During the Emergency, he was sent to jail for 11 months under M.I.S.A act.
• 1971: He joined Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and subsequently joined Jan Sangh. He has been associated with the BJP since its establishment.
• 1970: Vijay Rupani joined the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) as an activist.