JMM Founder Shibu Soren Passes Away at 81; Tribal Movement Loses Its Stalwart

Ranchi, Aug 2025 : Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) founder and veteran tribal leader Shibu Soren passed away on Monday at the age of 81. His son and Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren announced the demise, calling it the end of an era that brought the tribal movement to national prominence.

Soren, a former Chief Minister of Jharkhand, had been undergoing treatment for kidney-related ailments at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital in New Delhi for over a month. He had suffered a stroke nearly six weeks ago and had been on life support ever since. Senior Consultant of Nephrology, Dr. A.K. Bhalla, confirmed that Soren was declared brought dead at 8:56 am. “He was suffering from chronic kidney disease and had been critical for the past month,” Dr. Bhalla said.

Confirming the loss, Hemant Soren took to X (formerly Twitter) and posted emotionally, “Dear Dishom Guruji हम साबको भाष्ट चले गे जे जे है… मैन आज जी हो गो गाया है,” expressing profound grief over his father’s passing.

Sir Ganga Ram Hospital issued a statement, saying, “Despite the tireless efforts of our multidisciplinary medical team, Shibu Soren passed away peacefully on August 4, 2025, with his family by his side.” The hospital extended its condolences to his family, supporters, and the people of Jharkhand, acknowledging the loss of a widely respected leader.

Known as ‘Dishom Guru’, Soren was the towering figure of Jharkhand Mukti Morcha for nearly four decades and played a pivotal role in the formation of Jharkhand as a separate state. He symbolized the fight for tribal rights, social justice, and upliftment of marginalized communities.

Jharkhand Governor Santosh Gangwar mourned his demise, calling it an “irreparable loss.” Posting on X, Gangwar said, “The demise of former Chief Minister and Rajya Sabha MP Dishom Guru Shibu Soren ji is extremely sad and painful. He was a strong voice for tribal identity and rights. His contribution to society is unforgettable.”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday condoled the passing of former Jharkhand Chief Minister and Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) founder Shibu Soren. Remembering Soren’s lifelong dedication to uplifting tribal communities and the underprivileged, PM Modi praised his grassroots leadership and unwavering public service.

In a heartfelt post on X (formerly Twitter), PM Modi wrote, “Shri Shibu Soren ji was a grassroots leader who devoted his life to serving the people. He was deeply committed to empowering tribal communities, the poor, and the marginalized. Saddened by his demise.” The Prime Minister also spoke with Shibu Soren’s son, Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren, offering his personal condolences. “My thoughts are with his family and admirers in this moment of grief. Om Shanti,” PM Modi added.

Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut also paid rich tributes to the veteran JMM leader during a press interaction. Recalling Soren’s towering presence in Jharkhand’s political landscape, Raut said, “For the people of Jharkhand, Shibu Soren was no less than God. He emerged from a tribal background and made his mark in national politics.”

Raut shared that Soren’s Rajya Sabha seat was next to his, and he frequently inquired about his health. “Just two days ago, I was informed that his condition had deteriorated. Today, we have lost him. Uddhav Thackeray and the entire Shiv Sena family pay homage to his legacy. He sacrificed his life for the welfare of tribal people,” Raut said.

Congress leader and former Jharkhand PCC president Rajesh Thakur also expressed his grief, stating, “He was the architect of a separate Jharkhand. His death is a monumental loss to the poor, Dalits, and the people of the state. Jharkhand has lost its guiding force.”