Veteran Tribal Leader and Former Jharkhand Chief Minister Shibu Soren Passes Away at 81

New Delhi, August 4 — Shibu Soren, one of India’s tallest tribal leaders and the founder of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), passed away at the age of 81 on Monday after a prolonged illness. His demise marks the end of an era in Indian regional and tribal politics. The former Jharkhand Chief Minister had been receiving treatment at Delhi’s Sir Ganga Ram Hospital for over a month due to a kidney ailment and had been on ventilator support in recent days.

Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren, Shibu Soren’s son, shared the heartbreaking news on social media, saying that “Dishom Guruji,” as he was fondly known, had passed away. In his emotional message on X (formerly Twitter), he expressed a deep sense of personal loss, stating that he felt completely hollow after the demise of his revered father.

Today, I feel completely empty.” “Dishom Guru,” meaning “great leader” in Santhali (a language spoken by the Santhal tribe), was a title given to Shibu Soren by his followers, reflecting the deep reverence he commanded among tribal communities.

A Nation Mourns

Tributes poured in from across the political spectrum. Prime Minister Narendra Modi called Soren “a grassroots leader who rose through the ranks of public life with unwavering dedication to the people.” He highlighted Soren’s passion for empowering tribal communities and the underprivileged.

President Droupadi Murmu, herself from a tribal background, also expressed her grief, noting the significant contribution Soren made in advocating for tribal rights throughout his life.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh called him “one of the towering leaders of Jharkhand who struggled throughout their lives for the rights and empowerment of weaker sections of society.” Congress leaders including Priyanka Gandhi and Jairam Ramesh remembered him as a legendary figure and a pivotal force in the creation of Jharkhand.

The Architect of Jharkhand

Shibu Soren was born on January 11, 1944, in Nemra village in Ramgarh district (then in Bihar, now Jharkhand). His political journey began in the early 1970s when he co-founded the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) in 1973. The party’s primary objective was to demand a separate state for tribal populations residing in the southern parts of Bihar.

Following years of persistent struggle and grassroots movements, the long-standing demand for a separate tribal state was finally realized when Jharkhand was officially formed out of Bihar on November 15, 2000.

Political Career Marked by Highs and Lows

Shibu Soren served as the Chief Minister of Jharkhand on three occasions—briefly in 2005, then from 2008 to 2009, and again from 2009 to 2010. Despite these appointments, he was never able to complete a full term due to political instability and shifting alliances in the state.

Shibu Soren was elected many times as MP from the Dumka area and became the Coal Minister in 2004 during the UPA government. But his time as minister faced problems because of a legal case. He had to leave his post after being found guilty in a murder case from 1994, which involved his personal secretary, Shashinath Jha. Later, in 2018, the court found him not guilty. Many people who supported him believed the case was done to hurt him politically.

Despite controversies, Soren continued to be a central figure in regional and tribal politics. His influence remained strong through his party, JMM, which is now led by his son, Hemant Soren.

A Lifelong Advocate for the Tribal Community

Known for his humble origins and deep connection with the grassroots, Soren was more than just a politician—he was a symbol of tribal empowerment. For many in Jharkhand, he was seen as a guardian of their identity, culture, and rights.

His lifelong struggle centered around uplifting the Adivasi (tribal) community and securing their land, resources, and political voice. His contributions have left an indelible mark not just on Jharkhand’s political landscape but also on India’s broader social fabric.

Final Goodbye

As Shibu Soren’s body is expected to be brought back to Ranchi for last rites, thousands are expected to gather to pay their respects. The state of Jharkhand has declared official mourning, and a state funeral is likely to be held in his honor.

For millions of tribal people across India, Shibu Soren will always remain “Dishom Guru” — a fearless voice, a passionate leader, and a symbol of resilience. His impact will live on through the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha and the many lives he influenced during his long years of dedicated public service.