Gandhinagar (Gujarat) [India], June 16 (ANI): As Gujarat mourns the demise of former Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, his family expressed deep sorrow and extended their condolences to all families affected by the tragic incident. His son, Rushabh Rupani, said this was 'a sad time not just for us, but for 270 families too,' while thanking those who stood by them during this mourning period.

Speaking to ANI on Monday, his son Rushabh Rupani and son-in-law Nimit Mishra expressed their heartfelt gratitude to all who supported them during this difficult time.

' This is a sad time not just for our family but also for the other 270 families. I thank the Police, Aarogya staff, Civil Defence, Fire Services and RSS workers for their rescue efforts during this incident, which are praiseworthy. I also express gratitude to PM Modi, CM Bhupendra Patel and other leaders for supporting and standing with not just our family, but also all other families,' said Rushabh Rupani.

Rushabh also highlighted the widespread impact of Vijay Rupani's political career spanning over five decades.

He added, 'My father touched many lives during the 50-55 years of his political life. Today, all those people are standing by us. Many party workers from Punjab are also coming here to express their condolences...'

Nimit Mishra, son-in-law of the former CM, said the family was overwhelmed by grief and found it difficult to process the loss.

'These are extremely tragic times, not just for us but for everyone who has lost a loved one. We are finding it extremely difficult these days. We are expressing overwhelming grief and agony. I would like to thank all those who have supported us...' Mishra told ANI.

He added, 'We, as a family, would like to mention that we are thinking of each person who has lost a loved one and would like to share your pain and grief. I would like to thank the Prime Minister, the Home Minister, the CM, and state officials who have shared our pain.'

Former CM Vijay Rupani's Personal Secretary, Shailesh Mandalia, broke down while remembering him. Visuals from Rupani's home in Gandhinagar.

Meanwhile, the 'agni sanskar' of former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani will take place this evening at the Ramnathpara crematorium in Rajkot, with the funeral procession set to start from his residence at 5 pm.

Rupani's mortal remains are being transported from Ahmedabad to Rajkot by air. According to officials, the body was received from the Ahmedabad Civil Hospital mortuary at around 11:30 am and is expected to reach Rajkot by 2 pm.

The Tricolour is being brought to the Civil Hospital mortuary in Ahmedabad to be draped over his mortal remains. Around 2,000 kilograms of flowers will be used to decorate the hearse van that will carry the body of the former Chief Minister.

Rupani was among the 241 who died when the London-bound Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner crashed shortly after takeoff, colliding with a doctor's hostel complex near Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. His identity was confirmed through DNA testing, hospital authorities said, hospital officials said.

Meanwhile, in the Ahmedabad plane crash, out of the 242 people involved, the sole survivor, Vishwashkumar Ramesh, a British national of Indian origin, is currently undergoing treatment for his injuries.

Additionally, at least 33 others, including residents and MBBS students, lost their lives on the ground. (ANI)