Air India Crash: For Vijay Rupani, 1206 Was A Lucky Number — Until His Final Flight

Last Updated:June 13, 2025, 09:54 IST

For decades, 1206 had appeared in some of the most significant moments of Rupani’s career, from his entry into politics to his tenure as chief minister

1206 had been the number on Vijay Rupani’s election forms, the number of his personal cars, and even the one he used to sign personal documents. (PTI)

For years, 1206 was more than just a number to Vijay Rupani. It was the former Gujarat chief minister’s talisman, a symbol of fortune that had guided him through the pivotal moments of his life—from his rise in Gujarat politics to personal milestones. However, on June 12, that very number—which had once brought him success and fortune—would come to mark his untimely end.

On Thursday, when Rupani boarded Air India AI171, bound for London, a routine flight that would take him to his family quickly turned into a nightmare. The plane crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad, taking the lives of 241 people on board and leaving just one miracle survivor. Among them was the former chief minister, whose relationship with 1206 seemed almost prophetic in its tragic irony.

For decades, 1206 had appeared in some of the most significant moments of Rupani’s career, from his entry into politics to his tenure as chief minister. It had been the number on his election forms, the number of his personal cars, and even the one he used to sign personal documents. Rupani had often spoken of it with reverence, describing it as his “lucky charm," the key to his success. His supporters, too, came to see it as a good omen—something that would continue to steer him toward a bright future. However, now, the number that once signified prosperity will forever symbolise an unfathomable loss.

Confirming Rupani’s death, Gujarat BJP state president CR Patil called it a “great loss" for the party. “Our leader, former Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, was also on that flight. Vijay Rupani died in this tragedy. May God grant peace to his soul. This is a great loss for the BJP family as well," Patil said.

The ill-fated Air India flight struggled to gain altitude and slammed into a hostel for doctors of a medical college, immediately killing five students. What seems to have compounded the impact was the fact that the airliner was loaded with aviation fuel since it was set to fly all the way to London.

It was also revealed that shortly after takeoff, the pilot sent out a “Mayday" call, but when Air Traffic Control tried to make repeated attempts to get in touch with the flight, there was no response.

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