New Delhi: Former Gujarat chief minister Vijay Rupani’s family has alleged that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has refused to bear the expenses of his grand funeral, leaving them shocked to settle bills worth a staggering Rs 25 lakh.According to a report by The New Indian Express, a political storm has erupted in Gujarat as state BJP president and Union minister C.R. Patil dodged questions regarding this during his visit to Rajkot on Sunday (September 14) to attend a ‘Namotsav’ program.The revelation has also stirred speculations of deep internal rifts within the party’s Saurashtra faction.The controversy has come to light three months after Rupani’s funeral procession, held on June 16, in Rajkot where Patil was confronted with questions. Union home minister Amit Shah, chief minister Bhupendra Patel and several top BJP leaders were present to bid farewell to the late leader.Rupani was among the 242 passengers on the ill-fated Air India flight AI171 that crashed near Ahmedabad airport moments after take off on June 12, 2025.According to local reports, the family members found out when traders who supplied the funeral materials like flowers, tents, and other arrangements turned up at their doorstep, demanding payment.Forced into an awkward position, Rupani’s family has since begun clearing the debts. However, murmurs of betrayal have spread through the party ranks.On Sunday, Patil held closed-door meetings with MLAs and organisational leaders at the Circuit House, as per the TNIE report, but when reporters cornered him outside the event, Patil’s reaction was ‘telling’.When asked about the Rupani funeral expenses, Patil sidestepped the issue, remarking vaguely, “This is a Namotsav matter, I will definitely answer later,” briskly moving away, the report stated.The decision to deny payment was reportedly driven by two powerful Saurashtra leaders, indicating a power battle simmering beneath the surface.With Rupani’s family still grieving from the loss, the additional financial burden put on them has sparked outrage and could threaten to tarnish the BJP’s image ahead of crucial elections.