"Hard to believe he's gone": Amit Shah pays tribute to former Gujarat CM Vijay Rupani

Jun 14, 2025

NEW DELHI: Union Home Minister Amit Shah expressed deep sorrow over the passing of former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, calling his death "hard to believe." Rupani was among the 241 passengers who lost their lives in the tragic crash of Air India Flight AI-171, a London-bound Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, on Thursday.

In a post on X, Amit Shah wrote, "I worked for a long time in the organisation with former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijaybhai Rupani ji. Whether it was strengthening the organisation as the state president or keeping Gujarat's development journey moving as the Chief Minister, Vijaybhai fulfilled every responsibility with full responsibility. It is difficult to believe that he is no longer amongst us."

Shah remembered Rupani as a dedicated leader who always worked with discipline and commitment toward the growth of the party and the state.

Shah, who worked closely with Rupani during this period, highlighted his disciplined work ethic and loyalty to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

"Calm and thoughtful by nature, Rupani ji's loyalty and discipline towards the organisation were amazing," Shah said in his tribute.

Amit Shah also shared a personal memory from his last meeting with Rupani. "I met him a few days ago and had a detailed discussion on various topics related to the organisation in Punjab," he wrote.

Shah expressed his condolences to the family, saying, "I spoke to his wife, Mrs. Anjali Rupani ji and expressed my deepest condolences. The entire BJP family stands with them in this hour of grief. May God give a place to the departed soul in his lotus feet. Om Shanti Shanti Shanti."