Rajkot: The city is enveloped in a somber atmosphere as it mourns the passing of former Chief Minister Vijaybhai Rupani. The Chambers of Commerce have announced a half-day shutdown of business and employment activities today, urging all traders to participate. Responding to the bandh call, traders have kept their shops and businesses closed.

All major markets, including Dharmendra Road Market, Lakhajiraj Market, and Soni Bazaar, remain shut as a mark of respect for Rupani, who also served as the former mayor of Rajkot.

Speaking to the media, a trader said, “It is a matter of great sadness. He was not only the former Chief Minister of Gujarat but also a beloved leader of Rajkot. He was the kind of person who listened even to the smallest of shopkeepers. He did many great things for the city — AIIMS, the new Rajkot city development, and the international airport. His passing is deeply saddening, and that is why the whole of Rajkot is observing this shutdown till 2:30 pm.”

Furthermore, as a mark of respect, the Private School Management Board has declared a holiday for around 650 private schools across Rajkot city. Additionally, approximately 90 schools under the Rajkot Municipal Corporation-run Nagar Primary Education Committee will also remain closed. DeshGujarat