New Delhi, August 4 | SHABD: Veteran tribal leader and Rajya Sabha MP Shibu Soren, former Chief Minister of Jharkhand and founder of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), passed away in New Delhi on Sunday morning. He was 81.
Soren had been undergoing treatment at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital for a kidney-related illness and had suffered a stroke nearly six weeks ago. He had been on life support for the past month, hospital sources said.
News of his demise prompted widespread mourning across Jharkhand and among political leaders nationwide.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a post on X (formerly Twitter), expressed deep sorrow over the loss. “Shibu Soren Ji was a grassroots leader who rose through the ranks with unwavering dedication to the people. He was particularly passionate about the welfare of tribal communities, the poor and the marginalized,” the Prime Minister wrote, adding that he had spoken to Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren, the late leader’s son, to convey his condolences.
The Jharkhand government has declared three days of state mourning from August 4 to 6. All state government offices will remain shut on August 4 and 5 as a mark of respect. The Monsoon Session of the Jharkhand Assembly has been adjourned sine die.
Known affectionately as “Guruji”, Soren was a towering figure in Jharkhand’s political landscape. He played a central role in the long struggle for the formation of Jharkhand state and remained a vocal advocate for Indigenous rights and social justice throughout his political career.
He served multiple terms as Chief Minister and was also elected to the Lok Sabha several times. His passing marks the end of an era in Jharkhand politics.
