Telangana CM Revanth Reddy pays tribute to Shibu Soren

Shibu Soren, who led the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) for nearly four decades, is hailed as the party’s founding patron Pic/ PTI

Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy has expressed heartfelt condolences over the death of veteran leader and former Jharkhand Chief Minister Shibu Soren, who passed away at the age of 81 in New Delhi on Monday morning following a prolonged illness, reported ANI.

In an official statement, the Telangana Chief Minister's Office said that CM Reddy was deeply saddened by the demise of Shibu Soren, fondly remembered as 'Guruji'. The statement recalled Soren's pivotal role in leading the movement that resulted in the formation of the separate state of Jharkhand.

Reddy highlighted Soren's unwavering commitment to the cause of Jharkhand's statehood and his lifelong efforts to uplift the tribal population, for whom he remained a tireless advocate, reported ANI.

He also remembered Shibu Soren's impactful campaigns against drug abuse and the exploitation of vulnerable communities by private money lenders. The CM acknowledged Soren's support for the Telangana statehood movement, showing solidarity beyond state lines.

"Shibu Soren made his own mark in the fight against drug abuse and exploitation of people by private money lenders," the CM said, recalling the support of the former Jharkhand CM for Telangana's separate state during the movement, reported ANI.

CM Reddy further praised Soren's long-standing public service, noting that he served in various key political roles, including eight terms as a Member of the Lok Sabha, two terms in the Rajya Sabha, and three terms as the Chief Minister of Jharkhand.

"Saying Soren's yeoman services to the tribal community etched in history, the Chief Minister said that the former CM served people in different capacities as Lok Sabha MP for eight times, twice as Rajya Sabha member and Chief Minister of Jharkhand."

"My deepest condolences and prayers for his son, Hemant Soren, the entire family and all followers of Guruji in the state and across the world," the CM said.

As reported by ANI, in a mark of respect, the Jharkhand government has declared three days of state mourning from August 4 to August 6 to honour the legacy of the late leader.

"In honour of the late Honourable former Chief Minister-cum-Rajya Sabha MP, the State Government has decided to observe 03 (three) days of state mourning from August 4 to August 6," the message from the Jharkhand government read.

Tributes have continued to pour in from across the country for the tribal icon, widely recognised as one of the key figures behind the movement for a separate Jharkhand state, reported ANI.

Shibu Soren, who led the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) for nearly four decades, is hailed as the party's founding patron. His political career spanned over 40 years, during which he was elected to Parliament multiple times and held office as Jharkhand's Chief Minister in 2005, 2008-2009, and 2009-2010.

Earlier in the day, the Rajya Sabha observed a moment of silence in remembrance of Soren. The House was later adjourned for the day as a mark of respect to the departed leader.

(Inputs from ANI)