Veteran Jharkhand Leader Shibu Soren Dies at 81 After Prolonged Illness

New Delhi – Shibu Soren, a towering figure in Jharkhand politics and a key architect behind the formation and rise of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), passed away early Monday morning at the age of 81 in New Delhi. He had been battling kidney complications and had been on life support for the past month following a stroke nearly six weeks ago, according to doctors at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital.

His son and current Jharkhand Chief Minister, Hemant Soren, confirmed the news via social media. “Adarniya Dishom Guruji is no more. Today, I am shattered,” he wrote on X (formerly Twitter), expressing his deep sorrow.

Shibu Soren, fondly called “Dishom Guru” (tribal leader), was regarded as a symbol of tribal assertion and social justice in Jharkhand. Over his illustrious career spanning more than four decades, Soren served as Jharkhand’s Chief Minister thrice and was elected to the Lok Sabha eight times. He also served two terms in the Rajya Sabha.

Beyond politics, his legacy lies in his lifelong fight for tribal rights and regional autonomy. Under his leadership, the JMM became a formidable force representing the aspirations of Jharkhand’s indigenous communities.

BJP MP Nishikant Dubey, reacting to the news of Soren’s demise, stated, “With his passing, an era has come to an end. May the Almighty give strength to the bereaved family. Shibu Soren ji played a pivotal role in shaping the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha and the state’s political journey.”

Soren’s political journey began in the early 1970s when he mobilized tribal communities against land alienation and exploitation. Over the years, he became synonymous with Jharkhand’s statehood movement, which ultimately led to the creation of the state in 2000.

His death marks the end of a significant chapter in Indian regional politics. Leaders from across the political spectrum are expected to attend his funeral and pay tributes to one of the most influential tribal leaders in the country’s recent history.