Former Jharkhand Chief Minister Shibu Soren passed away on August 4, 2025, at the age of 81. He had been undergoing treatment for kidney-related ailments at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi, since June 19. He was on life support after suffering a stroke and passed away at 8:56 AM with his family by his side.
He was affectionately known as “Dishom Guru“, meaning โGreat Tribal Leaderโ in Santhali, and was considered a father figure of Jharkhandโs statehood movement and tribal identity politics.
๐ธ Early Life & Roots
- Born: January 11, 1944
- Village: Nemra, Ramgarh (then part of Bihar)
- Tribe: Santhal Community
- Spouse: Roopi Kisku
- Children: Hemant, Basant, Durga (late), and Anjali Soren
Shibu Soren was born in a tribal farmer family. He lost his father early, who was allegedly killed by moneylenders, which shaped his lifelong resistance against exploitation.
โก๏ธ Rise of a Revolutionary Leader
In 1972, Soren co-founded the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) with A.K. Roy and Binod Bihari Mahato. The party aimed to represent the tribal voices of south Bihar (present-day Jharkhand).
He mobilized tribal farmers against oppressive moneylenders and feudal landlords. Women would harvest paddy while men stood guard with bows and arrows โ a grassroots revolution.
He became the face of resistance and tribal pride, inspiring youth across Jharkhand, Odisha, and West Bengal.
๐๏ธ Political Timeline
- 1973: JMM formed
- 1980s-90s: Elected to Lok Sabha multiple times from Dumka
- 2000: Jharkhand becomes a state
- 2004: Appointed Union Coal Minister
- 2005, 2008, 2010: Becomes Chief Minister of Jharkhand (3 times)
- 2010s: Legal battles and acquittals
- 2020-25: Remains mentor to JMM, son Hemant Soren takes over
Despite being elected CM three times, political instability forced him to step down each time.
๐๏ธ Champion of Tribal Rights
Soren fought for:
- Adivasi land rights and FRA implementation
- Opposing displacement due to mining
- Tribal education and healthcare
- Ending bonded labour and moneylending exploitation
His efforts helped integrate tribal concerns into mainstream Indian politics, paving the way for tribal autonomy and development.
โ๏ธ Legal Challenges & Controversies
Shibu Soren’s political journey was marred by serious allegations:
- Accused in 1994 Shashinath Jha murder case (acquitted in 2018)
- JMM Bribery case (1993): Accused of accepting bribes to support Congress in a confidence vote
Despite this, he maintained his influence and was revered by tribal communities.
Freedom Fighter Chanku Mahato Statue Unveiling – 15 May 2025
๐ฌ Reactions from Across India
Prime Minister Narendra Modi:
โA grassroots leader with unwavering dedication to the people, especially the tribal and downtrodden.โ
President Droupadi Murmu:
โHe championed tribal identity and justice.โ
CM Hemant Soren:
โRespected Dishom Guruji has left us all… I have become โshunyaโ today.โ
Rahul Gandhi:
โHis role in the creation of Jharkhand will always be remembered.โ
Other leaders like Lalu Yadav, Mallikarjun Kharge, and Amit Shah also paid tributes.
Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy described Shibu Soren as a “relentless warrior” for tribal rights and a key figure in the formation of Jharkhand state. He emphasised that Soren’s lifelong struggle against moneylenders and substance abuse left an indelible mark. CM Reddy also highlighted Sorenโs support for smaller states, including active backing for the Telangana movement.
His admiration for Soren was deeply rooted in shared political goalsโboth leaders viewed the formation of new states as essential for regional development and cultural preservation.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin on Monday condoled the death of former CM of Jharkhand, Shibu Soren, and hailed him as a lifelong crusader committed to social justice.
๐ Three-Day State Mourning in Jharkhand
The Jharkhand government declared three days of mourning from August 4 to 6. All government offices were shut, and the national flag flown at half-mast.
His body was brought to Ranchi, paid respects at the Jharkhand Assembly, and taken to Nemra village for final rites.
๐ Legacy of Dishom Guru
Shibu Soren leaves behind:
- A robust regional party (JMM)
- A legacy of tribal pride and political awareness
- His son Hemant Soren, the current Chief Minister
His life story is a reflection of Indiaโs tribal struggle for dignity, land, and recognition.
โHe gave voice to the voiceless.โ
