Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday condoled the death of Shibu Soren, former Chief Minister of Jharkhand and veteran Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) leader, remembering him as a grassroots statesman dedicated to the upliftment of tribal communities and the poor.
Shibu Soren passed away in New Delhi at the age of 81 after a prolonged illness. He had been on life support following a stroke and was being treated for kidney-related complications at Sri Ganga Ram Hospital.
In a post on X, the Prime Minister wrote: “Shri Shibu Soren Ji was a grassroots leader who rose through the ranks of public life with unwavering dedication to the people. He was particularly passionate about empowering tribal communities, the poor and downtrodden. Pained by his passing away.”
Modi also spoke to Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren, Shibu Soren’s son, to offer condolences.
“My thoughts are with his family and admirers… Om Shanti,” he added.
Tributes poured in from across the political spectrum. Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut called Soren “no less than a god” for the people of Jharkhand.
“Coming from a tribal background, he carved out a national political identity. His contribution to tribal welfare is unparalleled,” Raut said.
JMM spokesperson Manoj Pandey expressed deep sorrow, calling the former CM “Dev tulya neta” (leader equal to God).
“For Jharkhand, this is the end of an era. ‘Dishom Guru’ Shibu Soren gave us courage, a voice, and an identity,” he said.
Often referred to as ‘Dishom Guru’, Shibu Soren was the founding figure of the JMM, leading the party for 38 years. He served as the third Chief Minister of Jharkhand, was elected to the Lok Sabha eight times, and was also a two-term Rajya Sabha MP.
His decades-long political career was marked by his relentless advocacy for tribal rights, land reforms, and statehood for Jharkhand—a goal he helped achieve in 2000.
Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren confirmed the loss on X: “Respected Dishom Guruji has left us all. Today, I am devastated.”
Shibu Soren’s passing marks the end of an era for Jharkhand’s tribal politics and Indian public life.