raharahla
Ranchi / New Delhi, August 4, 2025 – Former Jharkhand Chief Minister and founder-patron of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), Shibu Soren, passed away on Monday morning at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital in Delhi. He was 81 years old and had been battling severe kidney-related complications for several weeks.
The announcement was made by his son and current Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren, who wrote on X (formerly Twitter):
“Respected Dishom Guruji has left us all. Today, I feel empty…”
This emotional statement captured the gravity of the loss not just for the Soren family, but for the entire tribal and political community of India.
🏥 Illness and Final Moments
Shibu Soren had been undergoing treatment at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital in Delhi since late June 2025. He was on ventilator support for over a month, suffering from multiple health complications including a stroke and kidney failure. Despite continuous efforts by a team of doctors, he passed away at 8:56 AM on Monday morning.
👤 Political Journey and Legacy
Known as “Dishom Guru” among the tribal Santhal community, Shibu Soren was a towering figure in Jharkhand politics for nearly five decades.
- Founded JMM in 1973 as part of the movement for a separate tribal state.
- He was a key architect of the movement for Jharkhand’s statehood, achieved in 2000.
- Soren served three terms as Chief Minister of Jharkhand (March 2005, August 2008–January 2009, and December 2009–May 2010).
- He was elected to the Lok Sabha eight times and was also a member of the Rajya Sabha.
- Served as Union Minister for Coal during the UPA government.
- Throughout his life, he focused on empowering tribal communities, land rights, and social justice.
💬 National Mourning and Tributes
Political and public figures across India expressed their condolences:
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi:
“Deeply saddened by the passing of Shibu Soren Ji. He devoted his life to empowering the poor and tribal communities. I spoke to Shri Hemant Soren Ji and extended condolences. Om Shanti.” - President Droupadi Murmu, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, BSP Chief Mayawati, and leaders across party lines paid tribute to the leader’s grassroots connection and long-standing service.
- Lalu Prasad Yadav, RJD supremo, said:
“Shibu Soren was not just a political ally but a brother. His contribution to tribal upliftment is unmatched.”
Jharkhand government has declared three days of state mourning, and the Rajya Sabha was adjourned in his memory.
🧭 His Legacy
Shibu Soren’s legacy is etched in Jharkhand’s history as one of the most respected tribal leaders India has seen. He was known for his simple lifestyle, close contact with the people, and his unrelenting struggle for tribal identity and autonomy.
He was fondly called “Guruji” for his deep commitment to his people, especially the tribal Santhal communities of eastern India. His movement for land rights and protection against exploitation gained national attention.
Despite facing legal controversies in his career, he continued to enjoy immense respect and influence in Jharkhand and tribal circles across the country.
📌 Quick Summary
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Date of Death | August 4, 2025, at 8:56 AM |
| Age | 81 years |
| Place of Death | Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Delhi |
| Cause | Kidney failure, stroke; long illness |
| Political Roles | 3x CM of Jharkhand, Union Minister, JMM Founder |
| Popular Title | “Dishom Guru” (Tribal leader / spiritual head) |
| Legacy | Architect of Jharkhand, Tribal rights crusader |
🇮🇳 The End of an Era
With the passing of Shibu Soren, Jharkhand has lost not only a political stalwart but also a symbol of the tribal struggle for dignity, identity, and rights. His life’s journey — from fighting exploitation in the forests of Santhal Pargana to addressing Parliament as a Union Minister — is an inspiration to generations.
As Hemant Soren leads the state forward, he does so in the shadow of a father who built the very foundation on which the modern Jharkhand political landscape stands.
Rest in peace, Dishom Guru.
You will live forever in the heart of Jharkhand and its people.
