Former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani was among the 242 people aboard Air India’s Ahmedabad-London flight that crashed shortly after the take-off from the Sardar Vallabhbhai International Airport in Ahmedabad. The 241 people who died in the crash included Rupani. Former Chief Minister Vijay Rupani was on his way to London to meet his family but, like other passengers, he lost his life in this plane crash. Sadly, Vijay Rupani’s lucky number couldn’t save his life. 

Vijay Rupani Lucky Number 1206

Rupani had a penchant for 1206 number. Rupani’s all vehicles had number 1206 on their numberplates. In the pictures, it can be seen that his scooter’s number is 1206, and all of his cars also have the number 1206. Furthermore, the seat number he was sitting on today was also 12. Not only that, Rupani’s boarding time was also 12:10 PM, but little did he know that this connection with the number 12 would prove unlucky for him. This is because Vijay Rupani became a victim of the crash on 12/06.

Second Gujarat CM To Die In Plane Crash

According to reports, Vijay Rupani had booked a Z-class ticket, which falls under the Business Class category. Vijay Rupani has joined the tragic list of chief ministers who have died in air accidents. This list, besides Rupani, includes former Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh Dorjee Khandu, who died in a helicopter crash in 2011, former Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy (YSR), who died in a helicopter crash in 2009, and former Chief Minister of Gujarat Balwantrai Mehta, who died in a plane crash in 1965. Rupani is survived by his wife Anjali Rupani and two children – a son and a daughter. 

BJP Leaders Mourn Rupani’s Demise

Several Bharatiya Janata Party leaders mourned the death of former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, who was onboard the London-bound Air India flight that crashed in Gujarat’s Ahmedabad on Thursday. In a post on X, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said that Vijay Rupani will be remembered as a grassroots leader who devoted his life to the development and welfare of his state.

“Tragic. Shocked at the demise of Shri. Vijay Rupani, former Chief Minister of Gujarat—soft spoken, gentle and a committed leader. A big loss for BJP,” said Nirmala Sitharaman.

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju said, “Shocked & saddened to learn of the tragic passing of Vijay Rupani ji, former CM of Gujarat, in the Ahmedabad plane crash along with other passengers. His service to the people of Gujarat will be remembered always.”