Shibu Soren, a towering figure in Jharkhand’s political landscape, former Chief Minister, Union Minister, Rajya Sabha MP, and one of the founders of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), passed away today at the age of 81. Soren had been undergoing treatment at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital in Delhi for over a month, with his condition deteriorating critically in recent days.
His son, Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren, announced the news on X, expressing profound grief: “Beloved Dishom Guruji has left us. I lost everything today.”
आदरणीय दिशोम गुरुजी हम सभी को छोड़कर चले गए हैं।
आज मैं शून्य हो गया हूँ…
— Hemant Soren (@HemantSorenJMM) August 4, 2025
Shibu Soren: A Stalwart of Jharkhand’s Statehood Movement
Born in the Santhal community in Ramgarh district (then part of Bihar), Shibu Soren was a pivotal figure in the creation of Jharkhand. In 1972, he co-founded the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha alongside Leftist trade union leader AK Roy and Kurmi Mahato leader Binod Bihari Mahato. Soren emerged as a leading voice in the statehood movement, which culminated in the formation of Jharkhand as a separate state in 2000.
A Four-Decade Political Legacy
Soren’s political career spanned over four decades. He was elected to the Lok Sabha eight times, primarily from the Dumka constituency, which became a JMM stronghold. He also served two terms as a Rajya Sabha MP, with his second term ongoing at the time of his death. Soren briefly held the position of Jharkhand Chief Minister in 2005 but resigned after nine days when he failed to pass the floor test in the Assembly.
In 2019, Soren faced a rare electoral setback in Dumka, losing to the BJP’s Nalin Soren by over 45,000 votes.
A Legacy That Endures
Shibu Soren, fondly known as “Dishom Guruji,” leaves behind a legacy as a champion of tribal rights and Jharkhand’s identity. His contributions to the statehood movement and his leadership in JMM have left an indelible mark on Indian politics.
Tributes have begun pouring in from across the political spectrum, with leaders acknowledging Soren’s role in shaping Jharkhand’s destiny. His passing marks the end of an era for the state and the JMM, which continues to be a significant political force under the leadership of his son, Hemant Soren.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Condolence
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his deep sorrow over Shibu Soren’s passing in a heartfelt post on X earlier today. He stated, “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.”
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…
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 4, 2025
Tributes have begun pouring in from across the political spectrum, with leaders acknowledging Soren’s role in shaping Jharkhand’s destiny. His passing marks the end of an era for the state and the JMM, which continues to be a significant political force under the leadership of his son, Hemant Soren.
