Punjab BJP leaders shocked over party's state in-charge Rupani's death in Ahmedabad plane crash

Chandigarh, Jun 12 (PTI) The death of former Gujarat chief minister and BJP's Punjab in-charge Vijay Rupani in the Ahmedabad plane crash incident has come as a shock for the state BJP leaders.

The Punjab BJP leaders including state unit chief Sunil Jakhar paid tributes to the departed leader.

Rupani (68) was among the passengers who died after an Air India plane crashed in Gujarat's Ahmedabad.

A London-bound Air India plane carrying 242 passengers and crew crashed moments after taking off from the Ahmedabad airport on Thursday afternoon. Many people are feared killed.

According to Air India, the Boeing 787-8 aircraft from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick was carrying 242 passengers and crew members. Of these, 169 are Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, seven Portuguese and one Canadian national.

Rupani was appointed the BJP's in-charge for Punjab and Chandigarh in September 2022.

Under his leadership, the party had been taking on the AAP government over many issues, including law and order and the drug menace.

The state party leaders recalled that Rupani was campaigning for the upcoming Ludhiana West assembly bypoll a few days ago.

On June 9, Rupani had exuded confidence that party candidate Jiwan Gupta would win the bypoll with a huge margin.

The former Gujarat chief minister had said Gupta's victory in the bypoll would prove to be a milestone for the 2027 Punjab assembly elections.

On June 2, Rupani had accompanied Gupta in filing nomination papers for the bypoll.

According to Punjab BJP leader Kewal Singh Dhillon, Rupani was going to London to visit his daughter.

The bypoll to Ludhiana West seat will take place on June 19 and the counting will be held on June 23. The seat fell vacant following the death of AAP MLA Gurpreet Bassi Gogi in January.

BJP national general secretary Tarun Chugh condoled the death of Rupani.

He said, "The news of the demise of former Gujarat chief minister and senior Bharatiya Janata Party leader Shri Vijay Rupani ji is extremely sad and painful. He was not just a politician but for me, he was like an elder brother." "His simple life, clarity of thought, loyalty and discipline towards the organisation, and unwavering commitment to national service will always remain a source of inspiration for all of us workers," said Chugh.

Punjab BJP chief Jakhar also expressed grief over the death of Rupani.

"Extremely saddened and heartbroken to learn that Sh.Vijay Rupani ji was on board the ill-fated Air India plane which crashed today in Ahmedabad today. His contributions as Gujarat CM would be cherished forever.

"He was a humble and compassionate human being and a grassroots leader. I have had the lucky fortune of being associated with him as he was in-charge of Punjab BJP," Jakhar said.

He said Rupani was a real gentleman politician and it was a personal loss to him.

"Not only Gujarat has lost a great leader in him but it is a personal loss for me, as I found his gentle and soft demeanour so endearing. His sagacity and simplicity in public life will be missed," said Jakhar.

Former Punjab chief minister and senior BJP leader Amarinder Singh also condoled the death of Rupani.

"Saddened by the tragic demise of former Gujarat chief minister Shri Vijay Rupani Ji in the unfortunate plane crash near Ahmedabad. His unwavering commitment to public service will always be remembered. My deepest condolences to his family and loved ones in this moment of grief," said Singh.

BJP leader Dhillon, while expressing over the incident, said, "Heart-wrenching. Devastating. A moment of helpless grief that words fail to capture.

"With profound sorrow, we mourn the tragic and untimely demise of Shri Vijay Rupani Ji in a fatal plane crash while he was en route to London to visit his daughter," said Dhillon.

He recalled his last meeting with Rupani.

"Day before yesterday, he was with us in Ludhiana, engaged in the Ludhiana West byelection campaign. It is almost impossible to come to terms with the fact that he is no longer among us. The silence he leaves behind is deafening." Dhillon said Rupani was not just a political leader but was also a beacon of humility, compassion and sincerity.

"A man whose presence could light up a room, whose warmth touched every soul he met. His passing is an irreparable and unparalleled loss to the nation and society at large.

"Mother India has lost a son who was a leader, who believed in simplicity and integrity, and who served with unwavering devotion. As we extend our deepest condolences to his family, we also join the countless citizens who grieve today, not just for the loss of a former chief minister but also for the void left by a truly extraordinary human being," said Dhillon.

Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) chief Sukhbir Singh Badal too condoled the death of Rupani.

"Deeply saddened to learn about the passing away of two times Gujarat chief minister Vijay Rupani ji in the Ahmedabad plane crash. Rupani ji will always be remembered as a grassroots leader with a phenomenal record of selfless public service. I offer my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family in this moment of grief," said Badal in a post on X. PTI CHS KSS KSS