Jharkhand’s tallest tribal leader and the founding father of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), Shibu Soren, breathed his last on Monday at the age of 81. The veteran politician had been undergoing treatment for over a month at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital in New Delhi due to kidney-related complications. His condition worsened in recent days, leading to his demise.
The news of his passing was confirmed by his son and current Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren, who wrote in an emotional message on X (formerly Twitter), "Respected Guruji, Dishom Guru, has left us. Today, I have lost everything."
Soren, affectionately known as ‘Guruji’, was a central figure in Jharkhand politics and tribal rights advocacy. Born in Nemra village, Ramgarh district, then part of undivided Bihar, he belonged to the Santal tribal community and played a historic role in the creation of Jharkhand state in 2000.
He served three terms as Chief Minister of Jharkhand — briefly in 2005, again from 2008–2009, and later from 2009–2010. His tenure in politics spanned more than four decades, during which he also served six terms in the Lok Sabha and was elected twice to the Rajya Sabha. At the time of his death, he was serving his second term in the Upper House.
Shibu Soren became JMM’s president in 1987 and led the party till April 2025, passing the leadership torch to his son. His commitment to the cause of tribal identity, land rights, and regional autonomy earned him widespread support across the state and beyond.
He also briefly held the post of Union Coal Minister in the UPA government led by Dr. Manmohan Singh. However, his career was marked by legal controversies. In 2006, Soren was convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment in the high-profile Shashinath Jha murder case, involving his former personal secretary. The Delhi High Court later acquitted him in August 2007, stating the evidence was insufficient to uphold the conviction.
Despite the controversies, Soren remained a towering presence in Jharkhand’s political landscape. His grassroots approach, fiery speeches, and lifelong dedication to tribal upliftment made him a revered figure.
State government officials have announced that a state funeral will be held in Ranchi. The Jharkhand Assembly has been adjourned for two days as a mark of respect.
