New Delhi (India News Reporter): Shibu Soren, the revered founder of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) and former Chief Minister of Jharkhand, passed away at the age of 81 on August 4, 2025, at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital in Delhi. After a prolonged battle with kidney ailments and a stroke suffered a month and a half ago, he was declared deceased at 8:56 AM. His passing has sent a wave of grief across Jharkhand, with Chief Minister Hemant Soren, his son, expressing profound sorrow: “Our respected Dishom Guru has left us. Today, I feel utterly empty.”
Born on January 11, 1944, in Nemra village, Hazaribagh (then Bihar), Shibu Soren’s life was a testament to resilience and dedication. The murder of his father, Shobharam Soren, thrust young Shibu into the role of family caretaker.
After completing his schooling, he turned to farming but was soon driven by the plight of tribal communities to lead a socio-political movement. In 1973, he founded the JMM, fiercely advocating against exploitative systems like the mahajani practice and championing the cause of a separate Jharkhand state.
Soren’s political journey began in the 1970s. Despite losing his first election in 1977 from Dumka Lok Sabha, he secured victory in 1980 and went on to represent the constituency in 1989, 1991, 1996, 2004, 2009, and 2014. He also served as a Rajya Sabha member in 2002 and 2019. As Chief Minister of Jharkhand three times, albeit briefly, he prioritized tribal rights and state development. In 2004, he served as the Coal Minister in the Manmohan Singh government.
His career, however, was not without challenges, marked by controversies like the 1975 Chirudih case and the 1993 JMM bribery scandal. Yet, his legal victories and unwavering support from followers solidified his legacy as “Dishom Guru.”
Shibu Soren was more than a politician; he was a symbol of Jharkhand’s identity. Under his leadership, the JMM played a pivotal role in achieving statehood for Jharkhand in 2000. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi remarked, “Shibu Soren was not only Jharkhand’s voice but a national symbol of tribal identity and pride. His movement empowered adivasis and inspired social justice struggles across India.”
Admitted to Sir Ganga Ram Hospital in June 2025 for kidney issues, Soren’s condition deteriorated after a stroke, requiring life support. Despite the efforts of expert doctors, recovery eluded him, leaving Jharkhand in mourning.
His political legacy continues through his son, Chief Minister Hemant Soren, daughter-in-law Kalpana Soren (MLA), and son Basant Soren (Dumka MLA), though the family faced setbacks with the death of his elder son Durga and daughter-in-law Sita Soren’s shift to the BJP.
Tributes poured in from President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, and others. JMM workers and supporters across Delhi and Ranchi had prayed for his recovery, but fate decided otherwise.
India News Reporter offers its deepest condolences and prays for his soul’s peace. Shibu Soren’s passing is an irreplaceable loss for Jharkhand. He will forever be remembered as Dishom Guru, a leader who dedicated his life to tribal honor and Jharkhand’s identity.
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