Former Jharkhand Chief Minister, Shibu Soren passed away at the age of 81. As per reports, he was hospitalised in Delhi last week due to previous ailments. The current Chief Minister of Jharkhand, Hemant Soren, announced the demise of his father in a post on X (formerly Twitter). He wrote, “Respected Guru Dishom has left us all. Today, I have become empty.”

Several political leaders were saddened by this loss. President Droupadi Murmu made her way to Sir Ganga Ram Hospital where Shibu Soren breathed his last. Upon receiving this news, she made a post on X that read, “He championed the cause of tribal identity and formation of the state of Jharkhand. Besides his work at the grassroots, he also contributed as the Chief Minister of Jharkhand, as a Union Minister and as a Member of Parliament.” PM Modi paid his tribute to to former Chief Minister of Jharkhand, Shibu Soren at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared a heartfelt message on X condoling the loss of Shibu Soren. “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,” wrote PM Modi on his official social media handle.

Defense Minister Rajnath Singh honoured the loss of Shibu Soren and his contribution towards the state of Jharkhand, He wrote in a post on social media, “Shri Shibu Soren ji, was counted among the towering leaders of Jharkhand who struggled throughout their lives for the rights and empowerment of the weaker sections of society, especially the tribal community. He always remained connected to the land and the people. I had a long acquaintance with him. His passing has caused me great sorrow. My condolences to his family and supporters. Om Shanti!”

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External Affairs Minister Jairam Ramesh was deeply saddened by the loss of “The pivotal figure in the movement that led to the creation of Jharkhand exactly 25 years ago.” In a post on social media he wrote, “‘Guruji’ Shibu Soren, who has just passed away, was not just a MP and three-time CM…He was truly a legend whose passion for social and economic justice was inspirational. He contributed heavily to the making of the Forest Rights Act, 2006 and the Land Acquisition Act, 2013.”

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta wrote on social media, “The long struggle that Shibu Soren Ji undertook for the rights, respect, and upliftment of the tribal community will always remain memorable,” condoling the loss of Shibu Soren. She added:

Biihar CM Nitish Kumar in his post on X expressed his sadness about Shibu Soren’s passing. “His passing has caused an irreparable loss not only to Jharkhand but to the entire country’s political and social spheres,” he wrote.

Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi told PTI that Shibu Soren “was a legend and a stalwart. He has led Jharkhand for a long time,” condoling his loss.

Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) party minister 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.”

Shibu Soren’s demise has triggered a wave of mourning across Jharkhand. A celebrated political leader, called “Guru Dishom” by the masses, was admitted to Sir Ganaga Ram Hospital in Delhi in the last week of June. His condition was critical and he was placed on ventilator support. Held office for three times in Jharkhand, he was one of the founding members of JMM and played a significant role in fighting for tribal rights.

Shiv Sena MP Dhairyasheel Mane mourned the loss of the leader and said, “The entire nation will feel this loss.”

BJP spokesperson Pratul Shah Deo said that Shibu Soren “is regarded as the Father figure in the Jharkhand agitation. Guru ji may not be with us, but his ideals will always be very relevant and a motivation for the generations to come. The entire Jharkhand BJP expresses condolences at the sudden demise, and we hope that CM Hemant Soren gets strength from God to overcome this massive grief that he is facing right now.”

Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi said mourning Shibu Soren’s death, “We knew that he was not keeping well. My prayers are with Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren and his family. This is a loss not just for Jharkhand but for the entire country. May his soul rest in peace.”

RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav on Monday mourned the death of JMM founder and former Jharkhand CM Shibu Soren, calling him a towering leader of Dalits and tribals. Yadav, recalling his close ties with Soren, said, “It is a great loss for politics,” and prayed for peace to the departed soul.