Here’s a comprehensive biography of Vijay Rupani, the late 16th Chief Minister of Gujarat:
Early Life & Background
- Birth: Born on August 2, 1956, in Rangoon (now Yangon), Myanmar to businessman Ramniklal Rupani; soon relocated to Rajkot, Gujarat
- Education & Early Activism: Active in ABVP student politics, participated in the Navnirman Andolan anti-corruption movement, and was imprisoned for 11 months during the Emergency (1975–1977)
Political Rise
- RSS & BJP Roots: Joined RSS as a schoolboy; became a Jana Sangh/BJP member from its inception in 1980
- Rajkot Civic Leadership: Elected municipal councillor in 1987; served as Mayor of Rajkot (1996–97)
- State BJP Leadership & Rajya Sabha: Served as Gujarat BJP General Secretary and later State President (Feb–Aug 2016); was a Rajya Sabha MP (2006–2012) .
- State Minister: Took charge of Transport, Water Supply, Labour & Employment portfolios after winning the Rajkot West assembly seat in 2014
Chief Minister of Gujarat (2016–2021)
- First Term: On Aug 7, 2016, succeeded Anandiben Patel as Gujarat’s CM, backed by BJP leadership as a consensus choice
- Second Term: Re-elected in Dec 2017 and sworn in again on Dec 26, continuing to oversee portfolios like Home, Industries, and Science & Technology
- Leadership Style: Known as a “man of few words”, he led with low-key, developmental governance—earning a berth as Gujarat’s second-longest-serving BJP CM after Modi
Resignation & Later Role
- Resignation: Stepped down on September 11, 2021, ahead of the state assembly elections; made way for Bhupendrabhai Patel
- Post-CM Role: Opted out of contesting in 2022 Gujarat polls, remained in party service; later appointed BJP in-charge for Punjab
Key Contributions & Recognition
- Major Projects: Spearheaded initiatives such as Surat Amaazia Water Park (opened Dec 2016), expansion of Dahej–Ghogha ferry service (2018)
- Regional Leadership: Emphasized solutions to water shortages; secured approval for AIIMS and an airport in Rajkot
Death & Legacy
- Death: Tragically passed away on June 12, 2025, in the Air India Boeing Dreamliner crash near Ahmedabad at age 68
- Tributes: PM Modi described him as a “gentle, hardworking man” who boosted Gujarat’s ease of living; shops in Rajkot closed in mourning
In Summary
Vijay Rupani’s journey from Rangoon-born student activist to the helm of Gujarat showcases his steadfast organizational skills, grassroots appeal, and low-profile leadership. He is remembered for his calm demeanor, commitment to development, and longevity in office. His unfortunate death in June 2025 marks a poignant close to a significant chapter in Gujarat politics.
Would you like to explore his major policy initiatives, the ferry and tourism projects he championed, or the political dynamics surrounding his resignation?