Gujarat bids teary farewell to former CM Vijay Rupani

Former Gujarat CM Vijay Rupani was cremated with state honours on Monday, with thousands bidding him a teary-eyed farewell.

The state government has announced a day of mourning in Gujarat in honour of the former leader. His mortal remains were handed over to his family members on Monday. Rupani’s family members, along with Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, and Ahmedabad state officials were present at the hospital to receive the mortal remains.

Home Minister Amit Shah, Union Health Minister JP Nadda, Patel and Governor Acharya Devvrat paid their last respects ahead of Rupani’s last rites in Rajkot.

Gujarat BJP unit workers escorted the body to the Ahmedabad airport, from where it was taken to Rajkot, his home town.

Rupani, who served as the Gujarat Chief Minister from 2016 to 2021, was flying to London to meet his wife and daughter.

Rupani’s son, Rushabh Rupani said : “This is a sad time not just for our family, but also for the other 270 families. I thank the police, Aarogya staff, Civil Defence, Fire Services and RSS workers for their rescue efforts during this incident, which are praiseworthy. I also express gratitude to PM Modi, CM Bhupendra Patel and other leaders for supporting and standing with not the families of people, who lost their lives in the plane crash,” said Rushabh.

Nimit Mishra, the son-in-law of the former CM, said: “These are extremely tragic times, not just for us but for everyone who has lost a loved one. We are expressing overwhelming grief and agony. I would like to thank all those who have supported us.”