Shillong, Aug 4 (Agencies): Prominent tribal leader and former chief minister of Jharkhand Shibu Soren passed away on Monday after battling poor health for weeks. He was 81.
Soren was the founder of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha and served as the chief minister of the state three times. He was a key leader during the struggle for a separate state of Jharkhand. He was known as ‘Guruji’ in the political fraternity and among supporters.
Soren breathed his last in Delhi’s Gangaram Hospital where he was admitted in June with kidney-related issues.
“We express deep sorrow at the demise of former Jharkhand Chief Minister and veteran Adivasi leader #ShibuSoren. As one of the founders of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha, he was a lifelong champion of tribal rights. We extend our deepest condolences to his son and Jharkhand Chief Minister @HemantSorenJMM, and other members of his family,” CPI(M) posted on X.
BJP leader and former CM Raghubar Das told PTI, “I am deeply saddened by the news of respected Guruji’s demise. His passing has sent a wave of grief across Jharkhand, and the people of the state are mourning this great loss.”
The Dishom Guru’s son, Hemant Soren, is the current chief minister of Jharkhand.
“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,” Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote on X.
