Rajkot, June 14 -- Markets in Rajkot remained closed for half a day on Saturday as a mark of respect to former Gujarat Chief Minister and senior BJP leader Vijay Rupani, who tragically lost his life in the Air India Flight AI 171 crash near Ahmedabad on June 12.

The city observed the shutdown till noon, with traders and local residents paying homage to the veteran leader, who was deeply associated with the development and transformation of Rajkot. Several shops in the city voluntarily pulled down their shutters.

A resident, Navneet, paying homage to Vijay Rupani, stated that Rajkot will never forget him. He admired the BJP leader for bringing and completing several developmental projects in the city.

Speaking to ANI, he said, "This is ...