New Delhi [India], August 4 (ANI): Former Chief Minister of Jharkhand and leader of Jharkhand Mukti Morcha leader Shibu Soren passed away after prolonged illness at the age of 81 on Monday morning in New Delhi. Jharkhand Chief Minister and his son Hemant Soren confirmed the demise of the leader in a post on X. “Respected Dishom Guruji has left us all. Today, I am devastated,” Hemant Soren said.
According to the Sir Ganga Ram Hospital in the national capital, where the former Chief Minister was admitted, Shibu Soren was suffering from kidney ailment, and had suffered a stroke one and half months ago. He was on life support for the past one month. BJP leader Nishikant Dubey, expressing grief over the demise of the leader, said, “An era has ended, may God grant you and your entire family the strength to bear this sorrow.
Respected Shibu Soren ji made a significant contribution to the growth of JMM.”Shibu Soren led the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha for 38 years and is known as the founding patron of the party. He was the third Chief Minister of Jharkhand. Over a four-decade career in politics, Soren was elected to the Lok Sabha eight times and served as a Rajya Sabha MP for two terms. (ANI)
Leaders across party lines pay tribute to JMM founder Shibu Soren, Jharkhand declares 3-day state mourning
New Delhi [India], August 4 (ANI): Leaders from across India’s political spectrum paid heartfelt tributes to Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) founder and veteran tribal leader Shibu Soren, who passed away on Monday at the age of 81 after a prolonged illness. He breathed his last at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital in New Delhi, leaving behind a rich legacy of tribal empowerment and political activism.
The Jharkhand government declared a three-day state mourning in his honor, while the Monsoon Session of the State Assembly was adjourned sine die by Speaker Rabindra Nath Mahato.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, President Droupadi Murmu, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, among others, offered condolences and acknowledged Soren’s lifelong commitment to tribal rights and statehood for Jharkhand.
Prime Minister Modi visited the hospital to pay his respects and console the grieving family. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), he wrote:
“Went to Sir Ganga Ram Hospital to pay homage to Shri Shibu Soren Ji. Also met his family. My thoughts are with Hemant Ji, Kalpana Ji and the admirers of Shri Shibu Soren Ji.”
Earlier, he praised Soren as a “grassroots leader” with “unwavering dedication to the people,” particularly the tribal and downtrodden communities.
“Pained by his passing away. Spoke to Jharkhand CM Shri Hemant Soren Ji and expressed condolences. Om Shanti.”
President Murmu described Soren’s demise as a “significant loss in the space of social justice.” She wrote:
“He championed the cause of tribal identity and the formation of Jharkhand. His emphasis on the welfare of the people, especially the tribal communities, will always be remembered.”
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi also mourned the loss, referring to Soren as a “strong voice for the tribal community” and a key figure in Jharkhand’s formation:
“I am deeply saddened to hear the news of the passing of Shibu Soren Ji. He fought tirelessly for tribal rights. I express my deepest condolences to Hemant Soren Ji, the entire Soren family, and all of Guruji’s supporters.”
West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee referred to him as “Guru Dishom”, a revered tribal leader, while BJP MP Manoj Tiwari called him “the pride of Jharkhand,” acknowledging his lifelong struggle for the upliftment of the deprived and tribal communities.
Due to the unfortunate development, the Congress Party has postponed its planned protest rally against the Election Commission to August 8.
A Lifelong Crusader for Tribal Rights
Born on January 11, 1944, in Nemra village, Ramgarh district, Soren belonged to a humble Santhal Adivasi farming family. His father, Shobaran Soren, was killed by local landlords—an incident that ignited Shibu Soren’s resolve to fight for tribal rights, land, and dignity.
In 1972, along with A.K. Roy and Binod Bihari Mahato, he co-founded the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), becoming a powerful voice for Adivasi struggles. He led agitations against exploitative landlords and moneylenders, eventually becoming a tribal icon.
Over his four-decade-long political journey, Soren served:
- Three terms as Jharkhand’s Chief Minister, including a 10-day stint in March 2005.
- Eight terms as Lok Sabha MP.
- Three terms in the Rajya Sabha.
- Minister of Coal in the UPA government under Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.
Legal Challenges and Political Resilience
Despite his towering stature, Soren’s career was marred by legal challenges:
- In 1975, he was named the main accused in the Chirudih massacre, but was acquitted in 2008.
- In 2006, he was convicted in the 1994 murder of his private secretary, Shashi Nath Jha, and sentenced to life imprisonment. He was later acquitted.
- By 2010, he had been cleared in most significant cases.
Legacy and Leadership Transition
Soren’s relentless fight for tribal autonomy culminated in the creation of Jharkhand as a separate state in 2000. He was widely known for his advocacy of “jal, jungle, zameen” (water, forest, and land) rights.
In April 2025, he formally handed over the JMM presidency to his son Hemant Soren, the current Chief Minister of Jharkhand.
As India mourns the passing of one of its most iconic tribal leaders, Shibu Soren’s life remains a testament to resilience, leadership, and unwavering service to marginalized communities.
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