Shibu Soren, a renowned Indian tribal leader and three-time Chief Minister of Jharkhand, has passed away at the age of 81. He died on Monday morning at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital in Delhi, where he had been undergoing treatment for kidney-related problems and was on life support after suffering a stroke last month. Soren’s son, Hemant Soren, the current Chief Minister of Jharkhand, announced his father’s demise, paying tribute to him as “Dishom Guru,” meaning “great leader” in the Santhali language.
“Our respected Dishom Guru has left us, I have nothing left,” Hemant Soren wrote on X, expressing his grief and reverence for his father. The younger Soren described his father as a pillar of strength and inspiration, who dedicated his life to fighting for the rights of the tribal community and the people of Jharkhand. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also paid tribute to Soren, calling him “a grassroot leader who rose through the ranks of public life with unwavering dedication to the people”.
Born in 1944 in a small village in present-day Jharkhand, Soren grew up to become a prominent figure in Indian politics. He co-founded the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) in 1973, with the primary objective of carving out a separate state for tribespeople from Bihar’s southern districts.
After Jharkhand was granted statehood in 2000, Soren became an influential figure in the region’s politics, serving as Chief Minister three times and federal coal minister. Despite facing challenges and controversies, including convictions in murder cases, Soren remained a powerful force in Jharkhand’s politics.
Throughout his career, Soren was known for his passion for social and economic justice, earning him recognition and admiration from across the political spectrum. Senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh described him as “the pivotal figure” who led the movement for the creation of Jharkhand, saying, “He was truly a legend whose passion for social and economic justice was inspirational.” Sanjay Raut, a member of the Shiv Sena (UBT) party, paid tribute to Soren, saying, “For the people of Jharkhand, he was no less than a god.”
Soren’s passing has sent shockwaves across the country, with leaders from various parties paying their respects. Former Bihar Chief Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav expressed “deep sorrow” at Soren’s demise, describing him as a great leader who fought tirelessly for the rights of tribespeople and Dalits.
The Jharkhand government has announced a three-day state mourning period in honor of Soren, with all state government offices remaining closed on August 4 and 5. Soren’s body will be taken to the Jharkhand Assembly for public viewing before being taken to his native place, Nemra, in Ramgarh district for the final rites.
As the nation mourns the loss of this influential leader, Soren’s legacy as a champion of tribal rights and social justice will continue to inspire future generations. His contributions to the creation of Jharkhand state and his unwavering commitment to the welfare of the tribal community have left an indelible mark on Indian politics.