Former Chief Minister of Jharkhand and JMM founder Shibu Soren has passed away at 81, marking the end of a political era rooted in tribal rights and statehood activism.
A National Icon Passes: Former Chief Minister Shibu Soren No More
New Delhi, August 4, 2025
Legendary tribal leader and former Chief Minister of Jharkhand, Shibu Soren, passed away at the age of 81 after a prolonged illness. He died at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Delhi, where he was under treatment for kidney complications. His son, Hemant Soren—also the current Chief Minister—confirmed the news with deep sorrow, calling him “Dishom Guruji.”
Final Days and Health Struggles
The former Chief Minister had been hospitalized for over a month. Despite battling severe kidney failure and suffering a stroke, he remained on ventilator support until his death at 8:56 AM. Doctors noted that while efforts were made to stabilize him, age and complications eventually took their toll.
🌱 Rise of a Mass Leader
Born on January 11, 1944, in Nemra village, Shibu Soren belonged to the Santal tribal community. A pivotal moment in his youth—his father’s murder by landlord-backed henchmen—drove him to tribal activism. At just 18, he founded the Santhal Navyuvak Sangh to empower youth and advocate for land rights.
Later, in 1972, alongside leaders A.K. Roy and Binod Bihari Mahato, he co-founded the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), demanding a separate state for tribals. This movement became instrumental in the formation of Jharkhand in 2000.
🏛️ Political Career of a Former Chief Minister
Shibu Soren’s career was a saga of grassroots activism, national influence, and power struggles. He was elected to the Lok Sabha for the first time in 1980 and went on to serve eight terms in total. Known widely as “Dishom Guruji,” the former Chief Minister held the top post in Jharkhand three times—2005, 2008–09, and 2009–10—although none of the terms lasted a full year due to fragile coalitions.
He also served as the Union Coal Minister briefly in 2004, but stepped down following legal controversies. Despite the ups and downs, his impact remained undeniable.
His political narrative was marked by early hardships, mortal legal battles, and a mission deeply rooted in tribal identity and rights — a vision that echoes India’s growing push for Swadeshi and indigenous empowerment. PM Modi’s recent push for Swadeshi highlights how this sentiment continues to influence national policy today.
💬 Reactions and Tributes
Hemant Soren (Son and Current CM)
Hemant expressed a profound personal and political loss. “Respected Dishom Guruji has left us all. Today, I feel completely empty,” he wrote.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi
PM Modi honored the former Chief Minister as a warrior for tribal justice and upliftment. “He dedicated his life to empowering the marginalized,” the PM noted in his condolence message.
Shri Shibu Soren Ji was a grassroots leader who rose through the ranks of public life with unwavering dedication to the people. He was particularly passionate about empowering tribal communities, the poor and downtrodden. Pained by his passing away. My thoughts are with his…
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 4, 2025
Leader of Opposition Pays Tribute
The Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha, [Name], also paid heartfelt tribute to the former Chief Minister. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the LoP wrote:
“Deeply saddened by the demise of Shibu Soren ji, former Chief Minister of Jharkhand and a lifelong crusader for tribal rights. His legacy will forever remain etched in the history of India’s social justice movement. My condolences to his family and the people of Jharkhand.”
झारखंड के पूर्व मुख्यमंत्री और JMM के वरिष्ठ नेता शिबू सोरेन जी के निधन का समाचार सुनकर गहरा दुख हुआ।
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) August 4, 2025
आदिवासी समाज की मज़बूत आवाज़, सोरेन जी ने उनके हक़ और अधिकारों के लिए आजीवन संघर्ष किया। झारखंड के निर्माण में उनकी भूमिका को हमेशा याद रखा जाएगा।
हेमंत सोरेन जी और पूरे सोरेन… pic.twitter.com/sFiQrFHF2e
The message was widely shared and reflected bipartisan respect for Shibu Soren’s towering role in Indian politics, especially for indigenous and marginalized communities.
Other Political Voices
- Rajnath Singh: Described Soren as a towering grassroots figure.
- Priyanka Gandhi: Recalled his commitment to tribal unity.
- Lalu Prasad Yadav: Called it a historic loss for Indian democracy.
Legacy of a Tribal Icon
As a former Chief Minister and leader of the Jharkhand movement, Soren’s contributions were transformative:
- Instrumental in Jharkhand’s creation in 2000.
- Founder and longtime president of JMM.
- Consistent advocate for tribal autonomy and natural resource control.
- Held office in both Houses of Parliament.
- Championed policies on land reform, mining, and indigenous rights.
His nickname, “Dishom Guruji,” reflects the affection and respect he commanded among the Santhal people and beyond.
Quick Summary
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Age at Death | 81 years |
| Political Role | Former Chief Minister, JMM Co-founder, MP |
| Hospital | Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Delhi |
| Family | Wife: Roopi Soren; Son: Hemant Soren (CM) |
| Movement Legacy | Tribal rights champion and Jharkhand architect |
| Known As | Dishom Guruji |
Final Word: A Political Era Ends with the Former Chief Minister’s Passing
The death of Shibu Soren—the former Chief Minister who symbolized tribal aspiration, resilience, and political transformation—closes a major chapter in India’s regional politics. His legacy lives on through his family, followers, and the state of Jharkhand, which owes its very existence in part to his struggle. His loss is deeply mourned by millions whose lives he touched through his decades of activism and leadership.
By
