Majhi, Patnaik condole death of ex-Gujarat CM Vijay Rupani in plane crash

Bhubaneswar, Jun 13 (PTI) Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and Leader of Opposition in state Assembly Naveen Patnaik condoled the death of former Gujarat CM Vijat Rupani in the Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad.

Air India has confirmed that 241 people on board its London-bound flight were killed when the aircraft crashed shortly after take-off from the Ahmedabad airport on Thursday.

"Deeply pained by the tragic plane crash in Ahmedabad that claimed the life of former Gujarat Chief Minister Shri Vijay Rupani ji," Majhi said on X on Thursday.

The Boeing 787-8 aircraft was carrying 230 passengers and 12 crew members.

"Our party has lost a senior leader, and the nation mourns for a statesman whose gentle nature and contributions to public life will always be remembered," he said.

Rupani, who died in the Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad, was known for his composed demeanour and firm administrative style.

"May Mahaprabhu Jagannath give strength to his family and loved ones in this moment of grief. Om Shanti," Majhi said.

Patnaik in a post on X said: "Deeply saddened to learn about the tragic demise of former Gujarat Chief Minister #VijayRupani ji in the tragic #PlaneCrash in #Ahmedabad that took away so many precious lives. My condolences to the bereaved family and followers. Om Shanti." Rupani, 68, who was the chief minister from August 2016 to September 2021, steered Gujarat through a critical post-COVID recovery phase. PTI AAM BDC AAM RG