Actress and politician Smriti Irani paid an emotional tribute to former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani who passed away in the tragic crash of Air India plane near Ahmedabad airport.
In a heartfelt message, Smriti Irani took to her Instagram and described the loss as not just personal but a deep wound felt collectively by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
“There are moments when words fail to carry the weight of loss—and today is one such moment,” she wrote, capturing the depth of sorrow shared by many in the political and public spheres.
Fondly referring to him as “Vijay Bhai,” Smriti Irani remembered him as a figure of quiet strength and unwavering kindness. She noted that his leadership was marked by humility and grace, and that he never allowed rank or office to become a barrier in his interactions.
“Forever kind, always indulgent, he was more than a leader—he was family to many of us,” she wrote, emphasising how he treated every karyakarta (party worker) with warmth and dignity. “He offered guidance not as an authority, but as an elder who cared.”
She went on to highlight Vijay Rupani’s tenure as Chief Minister of Gujarat, praising his dedication and the calm responsibility with which he carried out his duties. However, it was not his political record alone that stood out for her—but his humanity.
“What I will carry with me is not just his political legacy—it is his humanity. His ability to make everyone feel seen, respected, and valued,” she added.
Her tribute concluded with a moving farewell: “In mourning Vijay Bhai, we honour a life lived in service, anchored in values, and lit with quiet compassion. Om Shanti ”
Vijay Rupani served as the 16th Chief Minister of Gujarat from 2016 to 2021. Known for his calm demeanour and accessible leadership style, his loss is being deeply felt across party lines and among the people of Gujarat.
A tragic air disaster occurred Thursday when an Air India flight headed for London, carrying 242 passengers and crew, crashed into an Ahmedabad medical college complex shortly after takeoff, exploding into a huge fireball. It is believed that almost everyone on board perished in the crash, making it one of India's worst aviation disasters.
In a development, investigators found one survivor, a British national, who is presently undergoing medical care. BJP leader C.R. Patil confirmed that former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani was among the dead.
In response to the calamity, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit Ahmedabad, as announced by Union Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Paatil. Union Home Minister Amit Shah has already visited the crash site. Earlier in the day, PM Modi spoke with Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu to assess the situation. Operations at Ahmedabad Airport have been temporarily halted as investigations and emergency measures continue.
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