Shibu Soren’s cause of death: What we know about the passing of Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren’s father

Shibu Soren, one of Jharkhand’s tallest political figures and the founder of Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), died on Monday morning in Delhi. He was 81. His son, Chief Minister Hemant Soren, confirmed the news on social media, writing, "Respected Dishom Guruji has left us all... I have become 'shunya' (zero) today."

Soren had been receiving treatment at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital since 19 June for multiple health issues, including chronic kidney disease. He had also suffered a stroke, and according to hospital officials, had been on life support for a month.

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As reported by PTI, Dr A K Bhalla, Senior Consultant, Nephrology, was overseeing his treatment.

"He was suffering from kidney ailments, and had suffered a stroke a month and a half back. He was on life support for the last one month," Bhalla told PTI.

The hospital has issued a formal statement.

"Despite the best efforts of our multidisciplinary medical team, Shibu Soren passed away peacefully on August 4, 2025, with his family by his bedside."

The hospital extended its condolences to the family and described him as "a very popular mass leader".

Shibu Soren's long battle with illness

Soren had been struggling with declining health for months. He had chronic kidney disease, diabetes, and a heart condition. He was also recovering from a recent brain stroke. The hospital had placed him on dialysis and ventilator support during the final phase of his treatment. His wife Kalpana Soren and other family members, including Hemant Soren, were by his side throughout.

There had been brief signs of improvement in July, but his condition worsened again in early August.

Also Read: Shibu Soren passes away at 81: Tributes pour in

Political reactions across the spectrum

Condolences poured in from across the political landscape as news of Soren’s death spread. Jharkhand Governor Santosh Gangwar wrote on X, "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 of tribal identity and rights. His contribution to society will remain unforgettable. My deepest condolences to the bereaved family."

Congress leader and former state president Rajesh Thakur also paid tribute, "He was instrumental behind the creation of a separate Jharkhand. He was the voice of the poor, Dalit and the people of the state. Jharkhand suffers from an irreparable loss today."

Political leaders from all parties acknowledged the role Soren played in shaping Jharkhand’s political and cultural identity.

Also Read: ‘Dishom Guru’ Shibu Soren: The tribal icon who took struggle from soil to Parliament

Shibu Soren: The man behind the Dhankatni Andolan

Shibu Soren’s journey into politics began in the 1970s, rooted in personal tragedy. His father, Sobaran Manjhi, was murdered by moneylenders. That moment pushed a young Soren into activism. He started organising tribals against exploitation and soon became a known figure in the Santhal Pargana region.

In 1973, he formally launched the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha. The party became the nucleus of the demand for a separate Jharkhand state. Soren led countless rallies, negotiations, and protests through the decades. His persistence paid off in 2000, when Jharkhand was carved out of Bihar.

He was elected to the Lok Sabha from Dumka eight times and served as Rajya Sabha MP thrice. Soren also served three terms as Jharkhand’s Chief Minister, though some of his stints were marked by political instability and legal controversies.

Despite that, to many, he remained ‘Guruji’, a leader who symbolised the aspirations of tribal communities and the fight for local governance.

For over 50 years, Shibu Soren was central to Jharkhand’s political story. His leadership shaped the state’s early identity, and even in recent years, he remained a key figure within the JMM.

His death has left a void not just in the party but in Jharkhand’s political fabric. While his legacy will be debated in political circles, for many across the state, he will always be remembered as the man who gave them a voice.

As tributes continue to come in, Jharkhand prepares to bid farewell to a man who spent his life in the service of his people.