“FATHER, I CAN’T DO THIS…” – HEMANT SOREN BREAKS DOWN IN TEARS WHILE PERFORMING SHIBU SOREN’S LAST RITES!

.

.

.

As the flames of the funeral pyre rose into the Dumka sky, a state watched in silence — and a son wept for the man who was more than a father. Shibu Soren, the towering political figure and founding father of Jharkhand — known to millions simply as Guruji — was given his final farewell on Wednesday in an emotional cremation ceremony that brought the region to a complete standstill.

At the heart of it all stood Hemant Soren, Jharkhand’s Chief Minister and Guruji’s youngest son, who broke down while performing the final rituals. In a rare moment of public vulnerability, the usually stoic leader cried openly in front of mourners, whispering prayers and apologies as he lit the fire that would carry his father into eternity.

“I’m sorry, Baba,” he was heard saying, his voice cracking. “I wish I had done more…”

Thousands Gather in Dumka to Say Goodbye

The final rites were held in Guruji’s ancestral village of Nemra near Dumka, where the late leader was born and where his political journey had begun decades ago. Despite the short notice, over 25,000 people arrived to pay their last respects — from tribal elders and freedom fighters to young students and grieving housewives.

Roads leading to Dumka were jammed for hours. The state government had declared a public holiday, and nearly all government offices and schools remained closed in honor of Soren’s legacy.

Mourners carried garlands, black flags, and portraits of Guruji, many chanting his name softly as they approached the pyre. Some wept openly, others stood in stoic silence. A sense of collective loss hung heavily in the air.

“He wasn’t just a politician. He was a movement,” said Mahua Hansda, a retired schoolteacher from Sahebganj. “He gave us a voice. He gave us a state.”

Hemant Soren’s Grief Mirrors a State’s Heartbreak

The most emotionally charged moment came when Hemant Soren stepped forward to perform the mukhagni — the Hindu ritual of lighting the pyre. Dressed in a simple white kurta and visibly shaken, Hemant paused for several seconds before placing the flame near the wood.

Cameras captured his hands trembling, his lips moving in silent prayer. And then — the breakdown. His shoulders heaved, his knees buckled slightly, and he turned away, wiping tears from his eyes as family members rushed to support him.

For a leader who has often been described as calm under pressure, the moment was deeply human — and deeply moving.

“Watching him grieve like that… it felt like every son in the crowd was crying with him,” said Paritosh Murmu, a college student who had traveled overnight from Jamshedpur.

A Giant Passes — But His Legacy Endures

Shibu Soren passed away on Monday at the age of 81 after a prolonged illness. A three-time Chief Minister and seven-term Member of Parliament, he was the architect of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) and the man most credited with the creation of the state of Jharkhand in 2000.

Born into a humble tribal family, Soren’s rise was extraordinary — from leading coal miners in Dhanbad against exploitation to holding the highest offices in the land. He was known for his fiery speeches, grassroots campaigns, and unwavering commitment to tribal rights.

His nickname, Guruji, was not given lightly. For many, he was a spiritual and political guide, a father figure whose wisdom shaped Jharkhand’s modern identity.

“Even when he disagreed with you, you listened,” said BJP leader and former CM Raghubar Das, who was present at the ceremony. “He carried the weight of Jharkhand on his shoulders — and he did it with humility.”

A State in Mourning

Across Jharkhand, the outpouring of grief has been unprecedented. Candlelight vigils were held in Ranchi, Dhanbad, and Hazaribagh. Local newspapers ran front-page tributes, and radio stations paused programming for moments of silence.

The state has declared three days of official mourning, with flags flown at half-mast and all public events suspended.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted, “Shibu Soren was a titan of Indian politics and a tireless advocate for the marginalized. His loss is deeply felt.”
Rahul Gandhi also paid tribute, saying, “Guruji stood for justice, equality, and dignity. His work will continue to inspire generations.”

What Comes Next for Jharkhand?

While the JMM has vowed to continue Guruji’s mission, many believe that the political landscape of Jharkhand has changed forever.

Hemant Soren now faces not only the challenge of leading a state but of filling a moral and emotional vacuum left by his father’s departure.

Insiders say that Soren is expected to announce a series of welfare measures in Guruji’s honor in the coming weeks, including scholarships for tribal youth and a memorial to be built at Dumka.

“Guruji’s body may be gone,” Hemant said through tears during a short eulogy, “but his spirit lives in every inch of this soil.”