Shibu Soren passes away at 81: PM Modi and others pay tribute

Former Jharkhand Chief Minister and JMM patriarch Shibu Soren (81) passed away on Monday. The news was confirmed by his son and current Chief Minister Hemant Soren.

Hemant Soren wrote in a post on X, “Respected Guru Dishom has left us all. Today, I have become empty…."

Sir Ganga Ram Hospital in Delhi issued a statement confirming the time and cause of death of the 81-year-old leader. “Shibu Soren was declared dead at 8:56 am today. He died after a prolonged illness. He was suffering from a kidney ailment, and had suffered a stroke a month and a half back. He was on the life support system for the last one month,” ANI quoted the hospital as saying.

PM Modi and others express condolences

Prime Minister Narendra Modi:

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 family and admirers. Spoke to Jharkhand CM Shri Hemant Soren Ji and expressed condolences. Om Shanti.

Droupadi Murmu, President of India:

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. Besides his work at the grassroots, he also contributed as the Chief Minister of Jharkhand, as a Union Minister and as a Member of Parliament. His emphasis on the welfare of the people, especially the tribal communities, will always be remembered. I extend my deepest condolences to his son and Chief Minister of Jharkhand Shri Hemant Soren Ji, other family members and admirers.

Nirmala Sitharaman, Finance Minister

Saddened by the passing of Shri Shibu Soren ji, founder of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) and former Chief Minister of Jharkhand. A towering figure in public life, he dedicated his life for the upliftment of tribal communities and played a pivotal role in bringing voices of the marginalised into the mainstream. Heartfelt condolences to his family and followers.

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

Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut:

We always think of Shibu Soren. Coming from a tribal state, that person joined national politics. For the people of Jharkhand, he was no less than a god. Shibu Soren is a member of the Rajya Sabha, and his seat is right next to mine... I always asked his party MPs about his health. Two days ago, I was told he was not doing well, and today he has passed away. Uddhav Thackeray and the entire family pay tributes to him. He gave his life for the welfare of the tribal population of his state...

Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, Union Minister for Communications and Development of NE:

The news of the passing of the founder of Jharkhand Mukti Morcha, a powerful voice of tribal consciousness, and former Chief Minister of Jharkhand, 'Dishom Guru' revered Shri Shibu Soren ji, is extremely sorrowful. This is an irreparable loss for Indian politics and the tribal movement. May God grant the departed noble soul a place at His divine feet and provide strength to his grieving family, including his esteemed son Shri Hemant Soren ji and supporters to bear this thunderbolt.

— JM_Scindia (@JM_Scindia)

Home Minister Amit Shah:

The news of the demise of former Jharkhand Chief Minister Shri Shibu Soren ji is extremely saddening. He struggled for decades for the rights and empowerment of the tribal community in Jharkhand. With his simple personality and humble nature, he connected with the masses. May God grant the departed soul a place at His divine feet and provide strength to the grieving Soren family and his admirers and supporters to bear this sorrow. Om Shanti Shanti Shanti

SP MP Rajeev Rai:

This is very sad news. This is the end of the source of inspiration for the tribal movement, a tall leader and an era. On behalf of my party, I pay my humble tributes to him. May God provide strength to the CM (Hemant Soren) and his family to bear this sorrow...

Mamata Banerjee, West Bengal CM:

Profoundly saddened by the demise of Shibu Soren, former Chief Minister of Jharkhand, a former Union Minister, founder of Jharkhand Mukti Morcha, and Guru Dishom (great leader) for my Adivasi brothers and sisters. My heart- felt condolences to my brother Hemant Soren, his son and current Chief Minister of Jharkhand, as well as to his entire family, fraternity, and his all followers at large. I knew him well and respected him sincerely. A chapter of Jharkhand's history comes to an end today.

DMK MP Tiruchi Siva:

Shibu Soren was unwell for quite some time. But what has happened today is unexpected. He was a tall leader in the country. In a backward area like Jharkhand, his contribution to politics and the life of the people there is very remarkable. He has left a very good track record and the passing away of Shibu Soren is a great loss to the nation and to the political field, especially to the people of Jharkhand...

Jharkhand Health Minister Irfan Ansari:

This is a great loss not only for Jharkhand but for the entire country, a loss we can never fully recover from. If Jharkhand has an identity today, it is because of Guru Ji's contribution... The state gained recognition because of him, but today we feel helpless... We are still in shock...

Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth:

Dishom Guru, Shibu Soren was the pioneer of the Jharkhand movement, and later Atal Bihari Vajpayee granted a separate state. But as a guardian, transcending all political ideologies, he always interacted with everyone with love and respect. Shibu Soren's passing is deeply saddening for the entire country...

Jharkhand Minister Radha Krishna Kishore:

He had a very good personality. He knew how to bring everyone to a common platform and develop Jharkhand. We wanted to do good for the people of Jharkhand, and it will be a true tribute to him if we can continue his vision and wishes.