1206- His lucky number, his last day; former Gujarat CM Vijay Rupani dies in Ahmedabad air tragedy

In a deeply emotional turn of events, former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani was among the 241 people who tragically lost their lives in the Air India Flight AI-171 crash near Ahmedabad on June 12, 2025. Rupani, who had once led Gujarat as its 16th Chief Minister, was en route to London to bring back his wife from their daughter’s home. What was meant to be a personal and heartfelt journey ended in an unimaginable tragedy.

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Born in Myanmar, Rupani’s early life included exile and struggle. A lawyer by training and an active public servant, he rose through the ranks of the BJP to serve as Chief Minister of Gujarat from 2016 to 2021. His dedication to public service and his simple lifestyle earned him respect across political lines.

Eyewitnesses from the ill-fated flight recall that a female co-passenger had taken a selfie with Rupani just minutes before takeoff, a picture now hauntingly remembered as his last. The aircraft, shortly after takeoff, crashed into a residential area near a medical college, claiming nearly all lives on board and causing significant structural damage.

In a striking coincidence, many are stunned by the eerie recurrence of his “lucky number” 1206 in this tragedy. From vehicle registrations to key political milestones, the number 1206 had long been associated with Rupani’s success. On the day of his death, June 12 (12/06), his seat number was 12, and his boarding time was reportedly 12:10 PM.

Adding to the family’s sorrow, Rupani’s younger son, Pujit, had recently passed away in a road accident. Now, the family is grappling with another devastating loss in quick succession. Several BJP leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, have expressed their condolences, remembering Rupani as a committed leader and extending support to his grieving family.