Ahmedabad, June 14, 2025 — Industrialist Gautam Adani visited the residence of former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani on Friday to offer his condolences and pay tribute, following the tragic Air India plane crash that claimed the lives of 241 people, including Rupani. The somber visit comes amid a wave of national mourning and reflection after one of India’s deadliest aviation disasters in recent memory.
The Air India flight, bound for London, took off from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport but crashed shortly after takeoff. The ill-fated aircraft had 242 individuals on board, with only one surviving the catastrophic incident. Among the deceased were prominent public figures, including Vijay Rupani, who served as Gujarat’s Chief Minister from 2016 to 2021.
Adani, the Chairman of the Adani Group and one of India’s most influential business leaders, arrived at the Rupani family residence in Rajkot to express his grief and solidarity with the bereaved family. Speaking briefly to the media outside the residence, Adani said, “Shri Vijaybhai was not just a statesman but also a friend to many. His loss is deeply personal, and my thoughts are with his family during this tragic time.”
Rupani, a veteran leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), was widely respected across political lines for his calm demeanor, administrative experience, and commitment to public welfare. His unexpected death has sent shockwaves through the political landscape of Gujarat and beyond.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who worked closely with Rupani during his own tenure as Gujarat Chief Minister, expressed profound sorrow over the incident. In a statement, PM Modi said, “Vijay Rupani’s contributions to Gujarat’s development will be remembered for generations. His demise is a monumental loss.”
Authorities have launched a full-scale investigation into the cause of the crash. According to preliminary reports, the aircraft experienced a critical technical malfunction shortly after departure, resulting in the loss of control and a rapid descent. Aviation experts and officials from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) are examining black box data and communication logs to determine the exact sequence of events.
The lone survivor, currently under intensive medical care, is reportedly in stable condition. Officials believe the survivor’s account will be crucial in reconstructing the moments leading up to the disaster.
As tributes pour in from across the country, memorial services are being planned in Gujarat for Rupani and other victims. Flags have been lowered to half-mast in several government buildings, and a state-wide day of mourning has been declared.
The tragic accident has reignited discussions about airline safety standards, particularly in state-run carriers. Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia assured the public that “every aspect of the incident will be thoroughly examined, and necessary corrective actions will follow.”
Gautam Adani’s visit underscores the impact of Vijay Rupani’s legacy — not just in politics, but also in the lives of countless individuals across business, governance, and society. As the state and nation come to terms with this monumental loss, the focus remains on honoring the memory of those lost and ensuring such tragedies do not repeat.
