Former Jharkhand Chief Minister and JMM founder Shibu Soren dies at 81

Former Jharkhand Chief Minister Shibu Soren passed away on Monday after prolonged illness. He was 81.

He had been admitted to the Sir Ganga Ram Hospital in the national capital for over a month, and was undergoing treatment for a kidney-related issue.

Shibu Soren was the leader of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha for the past 38 years and is recognised as the party's founding patron.

His son, and Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren confirmed about his demise.

"Respected Dishom Guruji has left us all... I have become 'shunya' (zero) today," Hemant Soren posted on X.

President Droupadi Murmu condoled the death of Shibu Soren and said his demise was a big loss in the space of social justice. "The demise of Shri Shibu Soren Ji is a big loss in the space of social justice. He championed the cause of tribal identity and formation of the state of Jharkhand," Murmu said in a post on X.

Congress leader Jairam Ramesh condoled the passing away of former Jharkhand chief minister Shibu Soren, and said he was the pivotal figure in the movement that led to the creation of the state exactly 25 years ago.

BJD's Naveen Patnaik expressed grief over the demise Shibu Soren and said that he would be remembered for his dedicated fight for the rights of the tribal and marginalised people.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said his life was dedicated to the well-being of the deprived, tribals, and labourers, as he condoles the death of Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) founder.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said a chapter of Jharkhand's history came to an end.

Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy paid tributes to the JMM founder, hailing his struggles for the formation of Jharkhand and his efforts to address the problems of tribals. Soren was a staunch supporter of the demand for Telangana statehood, Reddy said in a condolence message.

Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla condoled the death of Shibu Soren and said he would be remembered as a tireless champion of tribal rights and social justice. "Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla has condoled the demise of Shri Shibu Soren, veteran parliamentarian, former Union minister and former chief minister of Jharkhand," a Raj Bhavan statement said.

Chief Minister Nitish Kumar paid a moving tribute to his former Jharkhand counterpart and recalled his "vital contributions" to the politics of the adjoining state.

"His significant contribution to Jharkhand's politics is noteworthy. His passing has caused an irreparable loss not only to Jharkhand but also to the political and social spheres of the entire country. I pray to God for the eternal peace of the departed soul and for granting strength to his family and admirers to bear this hour of grief with fortitude," he posted on X.

RJD president Lalu Prasad, a former Bihar CM who had later been Soren’s cabinet colleague in the Union government headed by Manmohan Singh, spoke of "memories of our joint struggles" for achieving "social justice and empowerment of deprived classes".

"I am deeply saddened by the passing of our companion in struggles, the former Chief Minister of Jharkhand, Dishom Guru Shri Shibu Soren Ji. Many memories are associated with the struggles alongside him. He played a significant role in social justice and the upliftment of marginalised communities," Prasad said in a post on X.

Tejashwi Yadav, currently the leader of the opposition in the Bihar assembly, called Soren "our guardian".

"I express deep condolences on the demise of Jharkhand's former Chief Minister, a towering leader, the voice of the poor, deprived, neglected, and hardworking classes, and a strong advocate for tribal rights, Guardian Dishom Guru Shri Shibu Soren Ji. I pray to God to grant his soul a place at His divine feet. His historic contributions to social justice and tribal welfare will always be remembered," he said.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin condoled the death of the former CM of Jharkhand, and hailed him as a lifelong crusader committed to social justice.

Stalin said he was deeply saddened by the passing away of Soren, founding patron of Jharkhand Mukti Morcha, former Jharkhand CM, and "one of independent India's most influential tribal leaders."

"My heartfelt condolences to Hon'ble Thiru Hemant Soren JMM and the people of Jharkhand, who are mourning the loss of a towering leader and a lifelong crusader," he added.