Former Jharkhand Chief Minister Shibu Soren Passes Away at 81; National Leaders Pay Tribute

Shibu Soren, former Chief Minister of Jharkhand and founder-patron of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), passed away on Monday morning at the age of 81. He breathed his last at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital in Delhi, leaving behind a legacy of tireless service towards tribal rights and the formation of Jharkhand state.

Several senior political leaders visited the hospital to pay their last respects. Leader of Opposition and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi visited Sir Ganga Ram Hospital to offer his condolences and had an emotional moment with Hemant Soren, Shibu Soren’s son and the current Chief Minister of Jharkhand. Gandhi embraced Hemant Soren to console him, while Kalpana Soren, Hemant’s wife, was also visibly emotional. Rahul Gandhi was seen comforting her as well.

Before his visit, Rahul Gandhi expressed his grief on social media platform X, stating, “Deeply saddened by the news of the demise of Shri Shibu Soren Ji, former Chief Minister of Jharkhand and senior JMM leader. Soren Ji was a strong voice for the tribal community, lifelong fighting for their rights and entitlements. His role in the creation of Jharkhand will always be remembered. I extend my deepest condolences to the Soren family, his supporters, and all those who admired Guruji.”

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also visited the hospital to pay their respects and offer condolences to the bereaved family. Priyanka Gandhi later said, “It is a very sad moment for all of us. Our prayers and sympathies are with the family.”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also visited Sir Ganga Ram Hospital to pay his respects to Shibu Soren and expressed his condolences to the family. After his father’s demise, Hemant Soren was seen in tears and emotionally addressed the public.

Speaking to the media, Hemant Soren said, “It is a deeply distressing day. Our leader, known as Guruji and a hero of the tribal people, left us this morning after a long illness. Even in his last moments, he remained a fighter. We do not have words to express this loss. For the people of Jharkhand and the tribal community, Guruji was like a shade under which everyone found protection. Today, we have lost that shade, but he will forever remain immortal in our memories.”

Millions across the country mourn the loss of Shibu Soren, remembering him as a great personality—one who dedicated his life to the upliftment of the tribal community and the betterment of Jharkhand.