Former Union Minister and Jharkhand Chief Minister Shibu Soren, a pivotal force behind Jharkhand’s statehood movement and tribal rights, passes away after prolonged illness.
🕯️ End of an Era: Shibu Soren Passes Away at 81
New Delhi, August 4, 2025 — Shibu Soren, revered tribal leader, veteran parliamentarian, and founder of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), died at the age of 81 following a prolonged illness. He had been undergoing treatment at Delhi’s Sir Ganga Ram Hospital since June 19. Despite extensive medical efforts, he passed away peacefully on August 4 with family by his side.
🧡 Son Hemant Soren’s Heartfelt Tribute
Jharkhand Chief Minister and son, Hemant Soren, announced the loss on X (formerly Twitter):
“Beloved Dishom Guruji has left us. I lost everything today.”
🏛️ Shibu Soren: The Grassroots Leader Who Shaped Jharkhand
- Founder of Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) in 1972 alongside AK Roy and Binod Bihari Mahato.
- Spearheaded the Jharkhand statehood movement, culminating in the formation of the state in 2000.
- Belonged to the Santhal tribal community and hailed from Ramgarh district (then Bihar).
- Elected eight times to Lok Sabha, served two terms in Rajya Sabha, and held office as Union Minister and Chief Minister multiple times.
🔁 Political Legacy Marked by Highs and Turmoil
Chief Ministerial Tenures:
- Served three brief terms as Jharkhand CM.
- First term in 2005 lasted just nine days after failing to prove majority in the Assembly.
In the Union Cabinet:
- Joined Manmohan Singh’s cabinet in 2004 as Coal Minister.
- Resigned following an arrest warrant in the 1974 Chirudih case.
- Re-inducted, but later resigned after being convicted in the murder case of secretary Shashinath Jha—a conviction later overturned by the Delhi High Court.
🗣️ PM Modi Pays Tribute
Prime Minister Narendra Modi remembered Shibu Soren as a true son of the soil:
“Shri Shibu Soren Ji was a grassroots leader who rose through the ranks with unwavering dedication. He was deeply passionate about tribal empowerment, the poor, and the downtrodden. Pained by his passing away. My thoughts are with his family and admirers.”
👨👩👧👦 Family and Political Heirs
- Survived by wife Roopi Soren, sons Hemant and Basant, and daughter Anjali.
- Durga Soren, his elder son, passed away in 2009.
- Hemant Soren currently serves as Jharkhand’s Chief Minister and JMM president, while Basant is a sitting MLA.
📌 Legacy Snapshot
- Political Career: Spanning over four decades.
- Champion of Tribal Rights: Key figure in Santhal and Jharkhand statehood narratives.
- Controversies: Legal battles and coalition turbulence marked his journey.
- Popular Title: Dishom Guru, meaning Leader of the Tribe.
🕊️ A Final Farewell
As Jharkhand mourns the loss of its most iconic tribal leader, Shibu Soren’s contributions to Indian politics and the tribal empowerment movement will remain etched in history.
