For former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, the number 1206 was far more than digits on a number plate, it was a symbol of luck, identity, and continuity across decades of public life.

Every vehicle Rupani ever owned bore the number 1206, a figure that became instantly associated with him in his hometown of Rajkot, where even children could recognise his car by its number plate.

On 12 June (12/06), the number came full circle in the most heartbreaking way possible. Rupani lost his life in one of the worst aviation tragedies in India's history, when Air India flight AI171 crashed in Ahmedabad just moments after take-off.

The London-bound Boeing 787 Dreamliner, with 242 people on board, struck a building in the BJ Medical College and hostel complex, killing 265 people, including the former chief minister. The date, 12/06, now echoes with irony and tragedy.

Locals in Rajkot say that for decades, one could identify Rupani’s vehicles at a glance, from his early scooters to his more recent cars, all of which displayed the same 1206 registration number.

This number became an unofficial symbol of his political journey and personal beliefs. While many politicians might rely on symbols or slogans, Rupani's quiet nod to this number reflected his personal affinity and superstitions, something common in Indian public life.

Rupani, 68, was travelling to London to visit his daughter. His wife, Anjaliben Rupani, herself an active BJP member, was already in London. News of his death was confirmed by Gujarat BJP chief and Union Jal Shakti Minister C R Paatil.

Anjaliben returned to Gandhinagar on Friday morning following the devastating news.

A life in public service

Rupani had a long and impactful career in Indian politics. Starting off as a student leader in the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad, he rose through the ranks with a composed style of leadership. In 1975, during the Emergency, he was imprisoned for a year in Bhavnagar jail for protesting government overreach.

His formal entry into public office came in 1987 when he was elected as a corporator in the Rajkot Municipal Corporation, later becoming the Mayor. He served as a Rajya Sabha MP from 2006 to 2012, before taking on key roles in Gujarat's state politics.

Appointed Chief Minister of Gujarat in August 2016, Rupani led the state through the post-COVID-19 recovery phase. Under his leadership, Gujarat launched the State Industrial Policy 2020 and initiated various programmes focused on tribal welfare and economic growth.

He stepped down from the role in September 2021, paving the way for Bhupendra Patel ahead of the state elections. After stepping down, he was appointed as BJP’s in-charge for Punjab, continuing his involvement in national politics.

(PTI inputs)