Political leaders across party lines mourned the demise of former Jharkhand Chief Minister and Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) founder Shibu Soren, remembering his decades-long struggle for the rights of tribal communities and the formation of a separate Jharkhand state.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah expressed sorrow over Soren’s death and highlighted his contributions to tribal empowerment.
“The news of the demise of former Jharkhand Chief Minister Shri Shibu Soren ji is extremely saddening. He struggled for decades for the rights and empowerment of the tribal community in Jharkhand. With his simple personality and humble nature, he connected with the masses,” Shah posted on X.
He extended his condolences to the Soren family and supporters, adding, “May God grant the departed soul a place at His divine feet and give strength to the bereaved family and admirers. Om Shanti.”
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge also paid tribute, lauding Soren’s contribution to the Jharkhand statehood movement and his advocacy for tribal rights.
“He dedicated his life to the struggle for a separate Jharkhand and to ensuring the rights of its people over water, forest, and land, along with preserving tribal culture,” Kharge wrote on X.
Kharge added that he had spoken to Soren’s son and Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren, offering condolences on behalf of the Congress party.
MP Pappu Yadav described Shibu Soren as “the voice of the last standing man” and said he upheld the values of BR Ambedkar and Bhagwan Birsa Munda.
“This is a huge loss for the nation. He was fearless, never compromised on ideology, and created Jharkhand through his struggle. On behalf of the people of Bihar and my family, I offer my condolences. He was like a father to me,” he told ANI.
Shibu Soren, also known as ‘Dishom Guru’, passed away at the age of 81 in New Delhi after a prolonged illness. He had been suffering from kidney complications and had been on life support.
His death was confirmed by Hemant Soren, who posted, “Respected Dishom Guruji has left us all. Today, I am devastated.”
Soren led the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha for nearly four decades and served as the third Chief Minister of Jharkhand. He was elected to the Lok Sabha eight times and served in the Rajya Sabha twice, leaving behind a legacy rooted in social justice, tribal upliftment, and political perseverance.
