Rajkot, June 16: The last rites of former Gujarat Chief Minister and BJP leader Vijay Rupani were performed with full state honours on Monday in Gujarat's Rajkot. Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Gujarat Governor Acharya Devvrat, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and other leaders were also present at the funeral.

Former Chief Minister Vijay Rupani was accorded a 21-gun salute during his last rites, as a mark of respect to the departed leader. The last rites were performed at the Ramnathpara crematorium. The funeral procession began from his residence at 5 pm. Rajkot Police had implemented comprehensive security measures and traffic restrictions to facilitate the procession. Earlier on Monday, in Ahmedabad Civil Hospital, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel laid a wreath and paid his last respects to former Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, whose sudden demise in the Air India plane crash has left the state in mourning. Vijay Rupani Last Rites: Former Gujarat CM’s Funeral With Full State Honours Today in Rajkot, Around 2,000 Kilograms of Flowers To Be Used on Hearse Van (Watch Videos).

Vijay Rupani Funeral

Chief Minister Patel, accompanied by senior Cabinet ministers, stood in solemn tribute at the mortuary block of Ahmedabad Civil Hospital, where Rupani's mortal remains were kept for public homage. Gujarat Health Minister Rushikesh Patel and Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi also paid their respects. Former Deputy Chief Minister Nitin Patel was among the early visitors to the mortuary; he met family members and offered condolences.

An emotional moment also unfolded when Rupani's wife, Anjali Rupani, bid an emotional farewell to her husband. Surrounded by close family members and friends, she stood by his mortal remains as rituals began ahead of the final rites. Former CM Vijay Rupani's family expressed profound grief over the loss. Extending their condolences to all those affected by the tragic incident, his son Rushabh Rupani said, "This is a sad time not just for us, but for 270 families too," while expressing gratitude to those who have supported them during this mourning period. Eerie Coincidence: Vijay Rupani, Who Believed 1206 His Lucky Number, Dies in Air India Plane Crash on June 12; He Was in Seat 12 and His Vehicles Also Bore 1206.

"This is a sad time not just for our family but also for the other 270 families. I thank the Police, Aarogya staff, Civil Defence, Fire Services and RSS workers for their rescue efforts during this incident, which are praiseworthy. I also express gratitude to PM Modi, CM Bhupendra Patel and other leaders for supporting and standing with not just our family, but also all other families," he said. Rushabh reflected on his father's political legacy, noting that Rupani had touched countless lives in his five-decade-long public life.

He added, "My father touched many lives during the 50-55 years of his political life. Today, all those people are standing by us. Many party workers from Punjab are also coming here to express their condolences." Rupani was among the 241 who died when the London-bound Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner crashed shortly after takeoff, colliding with a doctor's hostel complex near Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport on June 12. Meanwhile, in the Ahmedabad plane crash, out of the 242 people involved, the sole survivor, Vishwashkumar Ramesh, a British national of Indian origin, is currently undergoing treatment for his injuries.

(The above story is verified and authored by ANI staff, ANI is South Asia's leading multimedia news agency with over 100 bureaus in India, South Asia and across the globe. ANI brings the latest news on Politics and Current Affairs in India & around the World, Sports, Health, Fitness, Entertainment, & News. The views appearing in the above post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY)