Ex-Jharkhand CM and JMM founder Shibu Soren no more

The mortal remains of veteran tribal leader Shibu Soren reached Jharkhand capital Ranchi on Monday evening. PIC/PTI

Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) founder Shibu Soren, the veteran tribal leader who played a key role in Jharkhand's creation, breathed his last on Monday. Shibu Soren, 81, who was undergoing treatment at the Sir Ganga Ram Hospital in Delhi for over a month for kidney-related problems, passed away on Monday at 8.56 am.

"Respected Dishom Guruji has left us all... I have become ‘shunya' (zero) today," son Hemant Soren posted on X. His mortal remains reached state capital Ranchi on Monday evening, with thousands of people waiting outside the airport and lining the streets to pay their final respects to the iconic leader. His body will be taken to his native village in Ramgarh district on Tuesday and where his last rites will be performed.

The Jharkhand Assembly was adjourned sine die. Adjourning the House, Assembly Speaker Rabindra Nath Mahato said, "Dishom Guru Shibu Soren left for heavenly abode today... His demise is not only an irreparable loss to Jharkhand but to the nation... He was known for his fight for the poor..." Shibu Soren had been the leader of the JMM for the past 38 years and is recognised as the party's founding patron.

Three-day state mourning

The Jharkhand government declared a three-day state mourning in honour of the former chief minister. The government has also cancelled all its scheduled programmes during the period, a statement said. All state government offices will remain closed on August 4 and 5, it said. The national flag will be flown at half-mast at all buildings in Jharkhand, the statement from the government said.

‘Protective shade for tribals'

In an emotional tribute to his father, Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren described the JMM founder as a protective shade for the tribals and the state and emphasised that his legacy will continue to live on. Hemant broke down as party workers raised slogans hailing his father. Talking to reporters, he described his father as a "great man". "He was like a protective shade for Jharkhand and the tribals. That shade has left us today. We will always remember him," Hemant said, adding that his legacy will live on. "He was ailing. He fought till the last. But he passed away today. We have no words to express. A great man has left us," he said.

Leaders pay tribute

Narendra Modi, Prime Minister
Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tributes to the mortal remains of Shibu Soren. "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."

Droupadi Murmu, President
President Droupadi Murmu condoled the death of Shibu Soren and said his demise was a big loss in the space of social justice. "The demise of Shri Shibu Soren Ji is a big loss in the space of social justice. He championed the cause of tribal identity and the formation of the state of Jharkhand." The President said that besides his work at the grassroots, Soren also contributed as the chief minister of Jharkhand.

Gadkari, Union Minister
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari said on X, "Deeply saddened by the passing of Shri Shibu Soren Ji, a prominent face in Indian politics who devoted his life to uplifting the marginalised and shaping Jharkhand's identity. His legacy will continue to inspire generations. My heartfelt condolences to his family."

Santosh Gangwar, Jharkhand Governor
Jharkhand Governor Santosh Gangwar and leaders cutting across party lines also condoled the death of the JMM patriarch. "The demise of former chief minister and Rajya Sabha MP Dishom Guru Shibu Soren ji is extremely sad and painful. He was a strong voice of tribal identity and rights. His contribution to society will remain unforgettable. My deepest condolences to the bereaved family," Gangwar posted on X.

Amit Shah, Home Minister
In a post on X, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said, "He struggled for decades for the rights and empowerment of the tribal community in Jharkhand. With his simple personality and humble nature, he connected with the masses."

Rahul Gandhi, LoP
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi posted on X saying, "A strong voice of the tribal society, Soren ji fought for their rights and interests throughout his life. His role in the creation of Jharkhand will always be remembered."

Mamata Banerjee, WB CM
Expressing grief over Shibu Soren's death, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said a chapter of Jharkhand's history came to an end.

Mallikarjun Kharge, Congress Chief
"He fought all his life for a separate Jharkhand state and for the rights of its people to water, forest, land, and for the protection of tribal culture."

Champai Soren, former chief minister
Former chief minister Champai Soren, who was a close aide of Shibu Soren, said, "May Marang Buru give peace to the departed soul. I remember the moments spent with you during the Jharkhand movement, from the mountains, forests and remote villages to the Vidhan Sabha." Congress MP Pradeep Yadav said that the dream of a separate Jharkhand was realised only because of Shibu Soren's struggle.