Who is Vijay Rupani: vijay rupani is ex. cm
Vijay Rupani (1956–2025): A Life of Service and Leadership in Gujarat
Vijaybhai Ramniklalbhai Rupani (2 August 1956 – 11 June 2025) was a senior Indian politician and a prominent leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). He served as the 16th Chief Minister of Gujarat from 2016 to 2021, holding the position for two consecutive terms. He represented the Rajkot West constituency in the Gujarat Legislative Assembly and was widely respected for his organizational skills, political discipline, and long-standing dedication to public service.
🌱 Early Life & Education
Vijay Rupani was born on August 2, 1956, in Yangon (then Rangoon), Myanmar, to Mayaben and Ramniklal Rupani, in a Jain Bania family. He was the youngest of seven siblings. Due to political instability in Myanmar, his family relocated to Rajkot, Gujarat, in 1960.
He completed his Bachelor of Arts degree from Dharmendrasinhji Arts College and earned an LLB from Saurashtra University.
💼 Business Background
Before his full-time political career, Rupani worked in the family business, Rasiklal & Sons, a trading firm established by his father. He also had experience working as a stockbroker.
🏛️ Political Journey
Rupani’s political career began as a student activist with the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP). He later joined the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and entered active politics through the Jan Sangh in 1971. He was imprisoned during the Emergency in 1976, spending 11 months in the jails of Bhuj and Bhavnagar — an experience that deepened his political convictions.
His local political journey began in 1987, when he was elected as a corporator in the Rajkot Municipal Corporation (RMC). Over the years, he held key positions, including:
- Chairman of RMC’s drainage committee and standing committee
- Mayor of Rajkot (1996–1997)
- General Secretary of BJP’s Gujarat unit
- Chairman of Gujarat Tourism (2006)
- Chairman of Gujarat Municipal Finance Board (2013)
From 2006 to 2012, he served as a Rajya Sabha MP from Gujarat.
In October 2014, Rupani won a by-election from Rajkot West, filling the seat vacated by Vajubhai Vala. He was appointed minister in Anandiben Patel’s cabinet in November 2014, handling portfolios like transport, water supply, labour, and employment.
In February 2016, he became the President of the Gujarat BJP, a post he held until August 2016.
🏆 Chief Minister of Gujarat (2016–2021)
On 7 August 2016, Vijay Rupani took oath as the Chief Minister of Gujarat, succeeding Anandiben Patel. He led the state through a crucial political period, including the 2017 Gujarat Assembly elections, where he won the Rajkot West seat by defeating Congress candidate Indranil Rajyaguru.
He continued in office with Nitin Patel as Deputy CM and remained in the role until September 11, 2021, when he resigned, paving the way for Bhupendra Patel to take over.
Rupani was recognized for his administrative capabilities and political consistency. In 2021, The Indian Express named him among the Top 100 Most Influential Indians.
🕊️ Legacy
Vijay Rupani’s career reflected a blend of grassroots experience, ideological commitment, and administrative leadership. From student politics to the highest office in Gujarat, his journey spanned decades of dedication to public life.
His untimely passing on June 11, 2025, has left a significant void in Gujarat’s political landscape.
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