Jharkhand is in mourning today as its revered leader and former Chief Minister, Shibu Soren, affectionately known as ‘Guruji’, passed away at the age of 81. His son and current Jharkhand Chief Minister, Hemant Soren, announced the veteran Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) supremo’s demise on Monday.
Shibu Soren had been on ventilator support and receiving intensive treatment at Delhi’s prestigious Sir Ganga Ram Hospital for over a month. While the family has not yet released the specific medical condition that led to his prolonged hospitalization, sources close to the family indicated he had been battling age-related ailments.
The passing of ‘Guruji’ marks the end of a pivotal era in Jharkhand’s political history. A towering figure in tribal politics, Shibu Soren dedicated his life to the struggle for a separate Jharkhand state and the upliftment of the indigenous communities. He co-founded the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) in 1972, transforming it into a formidable political force that championed the rights and welfare of tribals.
Soren served as the Chief Minister of Jharkhand multiple times, leaving an indelible mark on the state’s socio-political landscape. Beyond his tenures as CM, he was also a long-serving Member of Parliament, consistently advocating for the marginalized. His grassroots connection and unwavering commitment to addressing issues like land alienation, poverty, and displacement among tribal populations earned him immense respect and popularity.
The news of his death has elicited a flood of condolences from across the political spectrum, with leaders expressing profound sorrow and acknowledging his immense contribution to the formation and development of Jharkhand. The state government is expected to announce a period of state mourning and arrangements for his final rites, which are anticipated to be conducted with full state honors.
Shibu Soren’s legacy as a relentless fighter for tribal rights and a key architect of Jharkhand’s statehood will continue to inspire generations. His demise leaves a significant void in the political fabric of the state he helped create.
