Shibu Soren, a towering tribal leader and co-founder of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), passed away on August 4, 2025, in New Delhi. He was 81. Soren had been battling kidney-related issues for over a month at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital. His son, Hemant Soren, the current Jharkhand Chief Minister, shared the heartbreaking news on X, saying, “Respected Dishom Guruji has left us all. Today, I feel completely empty.”
Soren’s death marks the end of an era for Jharkhand. Known as “Dishom Guru” or “Great Leader,” he shaped the state’s identity through his fight for tribal rights. Born on January 11, 1944, in Nemra village, now in Jharkhand’s Ramgarh district, Soren grew up in the Santhal community. His father’s murder pushed him to leave school and work as a wood trader. But his passion for justice led him to activism.
In 1972, Soren, along with Binod Bihari Mahto and AK Roy, founded the JMM. The party fought for a separate Jharkhand state, a dream realized in 2000 when Jharkhand was carved out of Bihar. Soren’s rallies and protests gave voice to tribal communities. He served as Jharkhand’s Chief Minister three times: briefly in 2005, from 2008 to 2009, and from 2009 to 2010. However, political instability often cut his terms short.
Soren’s political journey wasn’t without challenges. He faced legal battles, including a 2006 conviction for the 1994 murder of his aide, Shashi Nath Jha. The Delhi High Court later overturned this verdict in 2007, and the Supreme Court upheld the acquittal in 2018. Despite controversies, Soren remained a beloved figure for many. His work as Union Coal Minister in 2004 under the UPA government also brought tribal issues to the national stage.
Moreover, Soren’s legacy lives on through his family. His son Hemant Soren now leads JMM as its president, a role Shibu held until April 2025. Soren is survived by his wife Rupi, sons Hemant and Basant, and daughter Anjali. His elder son, Durga, passed away in 2009. The Jharkhand government declared a three-day state mourning to honor him. Thousands gathered in Ranchi to pay their respects as his mortal remains arrived from Delhi.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief, saying on X, “Shri Shibu Soren Ji was a grassroots leader who rose with unwavering dedication to the people. He was passionate about empowering tribal communities.” President Droupadi Murmu called his death a “big loss in the space of social justice.” Leaders across parties, including Congress’s Rahul Gandhi and Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, paid tributes, highlighting Soren’s role in shaping Jharkhand.
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Graph: Shibu Soren’s Political Milestones
Highlights of the Graph:
- 1972: Soren co-founds JMM, sparking the tribal rights movement.
- 1980: Wins Lok Sabha seat from Dumka, marking his rise in national politics.
- 2000: Jharkhand becomes a state, a major victory for Soren’s activism.
- 2004: Serves as Union Coal Minister, amplifying tribal voices.
- 2005, 2008-2009, 2009-2010: Serves as Jharkhand CM, despite short tenures.
Soren’s work inspired millions. His fight against moneylenders and for tribal land rights changed lives. Although controversies followed him, his commitment never wavered. For instance, he set up the Pokhariya Ashram in Bokaro to support tribal causes. His simple lifestyle connected him to the common people.
Furthermore, Soren’s influence reached beyond Jharkhand. He was elected to the Lok Sabha eight times and served as a Rajya Sabha MP. His leadership helped JMM become a major political force. Even in his final years, as his health declined, he remained a guiding figure for JMM.
The outpouring of grief shows Soren’s impact. JMM workers flew the party flag at half-mast in Ranchi. The Jharkhand Assembly adjourned its session as a mark of respect. Meanwhile, leaders like AAP’s Sanjay Singh and BJP’s Deepak Prakash called his death an “irreparable loss.”
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