Veteran tribal leader and Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) founder Shibu Soren passed away on Monday at the age of 81, marking the end of an era in Indian tribal and regional politics. His demise was announced by his son and current Chief Minister of Jharkhand, Hemant Soren, who shared the news with a heavy heart on social media, calling it a moment of personal and political loss.
Soren, affectionately known as “Dishom Guru”, had been undergoing treatment for kidney-related ailments at a private hospital in Delhi for over a month. On the morning of August 4, 2025, he breathed his last at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, despite all medical efforts to save him.
Shibu Soren Nation Mourns the Loss: Tributes Pour In from Across the Country
The death of Shibu Soren has sent a wave of grief across political circles and the public alike. President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow over his passing. Both leaders visited the hospital to pay their final respects and personally offered condolences to Hemant Soren and Kalpana Soren, Shibu Soren’s daughter-in-law.
President Murmu said, “Shibu Soren’s demise is a monumental loss in the field of social justice. He will always be remembered for his relentless fight for tribal identity and his role in the creation of the state of Jharkhand.”
Prime Minister Modi also paid glowing tribute. In a post on ‘X’ (formerly Twitter), he wrote:
“Paid heartfelt tributes to former Jharkhand Chief Minister Shibu Soren. Met his family to express condolences. His entire life was dedicated to the welfare of the tribal community. He will always be remembered for his grassroots leadership and commitment to the underprivileged.”
Jharkhand Declares Three-Day State Mourning
In light of the leader’s passing, the Jharkhand Legislative Assembly was adjourned indefinitely, and the state government declared a three-day state mourning. During this period, the national flag will fly at half-mast, and all official entertainment events have been cancelled.
Funeral Arrangements and Final Journey
According to Jharkhand Health Minister Irfan Ansari, Shibu Soren’s mortal remains were flown to Ranchi around 4 PM on Monday. From the airport, his body was taken to his residence in the Morabadi area.
On Tuesday morning at 11 AM, his body will be brought to the Jharkhand Assembly for public viewing and tribute. Later, it will be taken to his ancestral village in Nemra (Ramgarh district) for the final rites.
Timeline of His Medical Condition
Dr. A.K. Bhalla, senior nephrology consultant at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, had been overseeing Soren’s treatment since June 19. The veteran politician had reportedly suffered a stroke about six weeks ago and had been on life support for the past month.
Dr. Bhalla confirmed his passing at 8:56 AM on August 4, stating that despite continuous efforts, Soren succumbed to complications related to chronic kidney disease and a severe stroke.
A hospital spokesperson released an official statement:
“Despite the best efforts of our medical team, Shibu Soren passed away on August 4, 2025. We extend our deepest condolences to the family and the people of Jharkhand.”
Shibu Soren: A Legacy of Struggle, Identity, and Social Justice
Shibu Soren was not just a politician; he was a symbol of tribal pride and resistance. For over 38 years, he led the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha, which he helped establish to fight for tribal rights and the creation of a separate Jharkhand state.
He served as Chief Minister of Jharkhand multiple times and was a Union Minister for Coal in the UPA government. His political career was marked by both achievements and controversies, but he remained a revered figure among the Adivasi communities of eastern India.
His tireless advocacy for tribal empowerment, land rights, and identity preservation earned him the nickname “Dishom Guru” (Great Leader of the Tribes).
National Leaders Reflect on His Contribution
Prime Minister Narendra Modi:
In his statement, the Prime Minister emphasized Soren’s grassroots leadership:
“He was a leader deeply rooted in the soil of Jharkhand. His dedication to tribal welfare, the poor, and marginalized will always be remembered. Spoke to CM Hemant Soren and conveyed my condolences. Om Shanti.”
President Droupadi Murmu:
President Murmu acknowledged his role in nation-building and social justice:
“Shibu Soren’s life was a journey of sacrifice and service. His efforts for tribal rights and the formation of Jharkhand were historic.”
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari:
Nitin Gadkari also took to social media and said:
“Deeply saddened by the demise of Shibu Soren. He was a key figure in Indian politics, who dedicated his life to uplifting marginalized communities and giving Jharkhand a distinct identity. His legacy will continue to inspire generations.”
Condolences from Political Rivals and Allies Alike
Leaders from across the political spectrum paid their respects to Shibu Soren, describing him as a titan in regional and tribal politics.
- Tiruchi Siva, DMK MP, called his death a “major loss to Indian politics.”
- Nishikant Dubey, BJP MP from Godda, shared his experience of working with Soren in Parliament, saying, “He played a pivotal role in taking JMM to where it is today. His passing is a significant loss for Jharkhand. I pray to Baba Baidyanath to give strength to Hemant Soren and his family to endure this tragic loss.”
A State Grieves: Public Reaction in Jharkhand
As the news broke, thousands of people across Ranchi, Dumka, Dhanbad, and other parts of Jharkhand poured into the streets to mourn their beloved leader. From tribal elders to young students, people gathered with flowers, banners, and tears to honor the man who championed their cause for decades.
Many expressed shock and grief, stating that Shibu Soren’s death leaves a leadership vacuum in Jharkhand politics that will be hard to fill.
Shibu Soren’s death marks the end of a powerful chapter in Indian political history. From humble beginnings to becoming one of the most influential tribal leaders of the country, his life story is one of resilience, struggle, and legacy.
As the state prepares to bid its final farewell to one of its tallest leaders, the message is clear: Shibu Soren may be gone, but his vision and impact will continue to guide generations to come.