BJP distances itself from former CM Vijay Rupani’s funeral costs; Rs 25 lakh still unpaid: Report
Ahmedabad: Over three months after the death of former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has reportedly refused to bear the expenses of his funeral and memorial services, instructing vendors to recover dues from the Rupani family.
According to a report by Bhaskar English, traders and service providers who arranged floral decorations, tents, and other logistics for the former CM's last rites were told that the expenses would not be covered by the BJP, despite Rupani’s long-standing association with the party.
Sources close to the family, as quoted in the report, stated that they were unaware of the financial obligation until vendors began visiting the residence in July, demanding payments for services rendered during the funeral proceedings. The estimated outstanding dues reportedly range between Rs 20 to Rs 25 lakh.
Vijay Rupani passed away on June 12, 2025, in an Air India plane crash shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad airport, en route to London. His body was later identified through DNA analysis, and the last rites were performed in Rajkot on June 16.
Banners and posters were displayed across Rajkot, and flower arrangements adorned the funeral procession. The Gujarat government had also provided a guard of honour as per the rules.
Despite the public tribute and state honours, the BJP has reportedly remained non-committal on covering any logistical or ceremonial costs related to the final rites. While the Rupani family has made partial payments to vendors, several traders are still awaiting settlement of dues.
Sources familiar with the matter told Bhaskar English that no prior communication was made by the saffron party to the family regarding who would bear the costs.
It is also reported that two senior leaders from Saurashtra were approached for intervention but allegedly declined to involve themselves. The issue has now sparked speculation about growing internal friction within the Gujarat BJP unit.
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Mercury likely to touch 44 deg C in Delhi; IMD issues alert for heatwave-like conditions
New Delhi (PTI): Delhi recorded a minimum temperature of 26.2 degrees Celsius on Sunday, 2.4 notches below the seasonal average, according to the India Meteorological Department.
The weather department has forecast partly cloudy sky with an orange alert for heatwave-like conditions at isolated places by the evening.
The maximum temperature is expected to reach around 44 degrees Celsius on Sunday, the IMD said.
The relative humidity in the capital was recorded at 43 per cent at 8.30 am.
The air quality was 'poor' at 9 am, with an Air Quality Index (AQI) reading of 223, Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data showed.
According to the CPCB, an AQI between zero and 50 is considered 'good', 51 and 100 'satisfactory', 101 and 200 'moderate', 201 and 300 'poor', 301 and 400 'very poor', and 401 and 500 'severe'.
