Ex-Jharkhand chief minister and JMM patriarch Shibu Soren died at 81 after a prolonged illness. As per reports, he was on ventilator at Delhi’s Sir Ganga Ram Hospital. He was hospitalised at the end of June.

His son, Hemant Soren, continues the political legacy as the current Chief Minister of Jharkhand.

CM Hemant Soren’s post on X reads, “Respected Guru Dishom has left us all. Today, I have become empty…”

PM Modi condoled the JMM founder’s death. His post on X reads, “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. My thoughts are with his family and admirers. Spoke to Jharkhand CM Shri Hemant Soren Ji and expressed condolences. Om Shanti.”

Who was Shibu Soren? Tribal leader who shaped Jharkhand

Shibu Soren was born on January 11, 1944, in Nemra village, now part of the Indian state of Jharkhand. Emerging from humble beginnings, he rose to become a powerful voice for tribal communities. His early political efforts were focused on fighting exploitation and securing land rights for tribal people in the region.

Founding JMM: In 1972, Soren co-founded the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), a party that championed tribal rights and demanded a separate state for Jharkhand. His persistent efforts, along with mass mobilisation, played a crucial role in the eventual formation of Jharkhand in 2000.

Soren served as Chief Minister of Jharkhand three times, though none of his terms lasted long due to political volatility. Despite these short stints, his leadership left a mark on state politics. He also served multiple terms as a Member of Parliament and held the post of Union Coal Minister.

Nicknamed “Guruji” by supporters, Soren’s career was not without controversy. He faced serious legal battles, including murder charges, but was later acquitted. These episodes, while controversial, did not significantly dent his popularity among his core support base.

Political reaction

JMM party spokesperson Manoj Pandey says, “For Jharkhand, this is the end of an era. ‘Dev tulya neta’, our guardian, our God, ‘Dishom Guru’ Shibu Soren is no more with us. We can’t believe this. The party gained this stature under his leadership and guidance. He gave Jharkhandis the strength to fight. He gave us a voice…May his soul rest in peace.”

Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut says, “We always think of Shibu Soren. Coming from a tribal state, that person joined national politics. For the people of Jharkhand, he was no less than a god. Shibu Soren is a member of the Rajya Sabha, and his seat is right next to mine… I always asked his party MPs about his health. Two days ago, I was told he was not doing well, and today he has passed away. Uddhav Thackeray and the entire family pay tributes to him. He gave his life for the welfare of the tribal population of his state…”