AI-171 Crash: PM Modi Meets Family Of Vijay Rupani; Pays Emotional Tribute

PM Narendra Modi on Friday met the family of former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, who died in the tragic crash of Air India Flight AI-171.

The crash claimed the lives of all 241 passengers on board, marking one of the worst aviation disasters in Indian history.

During his visit, PM Modi offered heartfelt condolences and expressed solidarity with the bereaved family.

“My thoughts are with his family and friends in this hour of grief,” he said, while sharing pictures from the meeting on social media.

PM Modi visits crash site, hospitals & victims

Before meeting Rupani’s family, PM Modi inspected the crash site of the Boeing Dreamliner near Ahmedabad airport.

He also visited a nearby hostel and mess for medical students and later met the injured survivors at a city hospital.

Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel accompanied him during the visits.

PM recalls long-standing association with Rupani

Taking to X (formerly Twitter), PM Modi recalled his long and close association with Vijay Rupani.

“It is unimaginable that Vijaybhai is not in our midst. I’ve known him for decades. We worked together, shoulder to shoulder, including during some of the most challenging times,” he wrote.

The Prime Minister praised Rupani’s dedication, calling him humble, hardworking, and deeply committed to the BJP’s ideology.

PM Modi highlights Rupani’s political journey and legacy

PM Modi reflected on Rupani’s political journey, noting how he rose through the ranks and held key roles in governance and the party organisation.

“He served with distinction in every role, be it the Rajkot Municipal Corporation, as Rajya Sabha MP, Gujarat BJP President, or as a Cabinet Minister,” the PM noted.

Modi described Rupani’s tenure as Gujarat Chief Minister as a phase marked by decisive governance and people-centric reforms. “He ushered in many measures that enhanced Gujarat’s growth trajectory, particularly in boosting ‘Ease of Living,’” he added.

Earlier in the day, PM Modi met survivors of the AI-171 crash, including the lone survivor of the ill-fated Dreamliner.

He assured them of full government support in overcoming this difficult period.

Also Read: Prime Minister Narendra Modi Visits Ahmedabad Crash Site After Air India Tragedy Kills 241