Influential Tribal Leader Shibu Soren Passes Away at 81
Shibu Soren, a well-known tribal leader and three-time Chief Minister of Jharkhand, died at the age of 81. He was receiving treatment for kidney problems in Delhi and was on life support after a stroke last month.
Long Political Career Focused on Tribal Rights
Soren had a political career lasting more than 40 years. He co-founded the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), a key party that fought for the creation of Jharkhand state. Although he became Chief Minister three times, political issues stopped him from completing a full term.
Tributes from Family and Leaders
His son, Hemant Soren, current Chief Minister of Jharkhand, announced the news and called his father their “Dishom Guru,” meaning “great leader” in the Santhali language. Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised Soren as a “grassroots leader dedicated to the people.”
Early Life and Achievements
Born in 1944 in a small village in what is now Jharkhand, Soren worked hard for tribal rights. He helped start the JMM in 1973 to demand a separate state for tribal people. After Jharkhand was created in 2000, he became a key political figure.
Challenges and Legal Issues
In 2004, Soren served as India’s Coal Minister but resigned after a murder conviction. He returned after getting bail. He briefly became Chief Minister again in 2005 but resigned because his party lacked support. He faced other legal cases but was cleared in 2018.
Nationwide Mourning
Leaders from many parties expressed sadness. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh called him “a pivotal figure” for Jharkhand’s creation. Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut said he was “like a god” to the people of Jharkhand. Former Bihar CM Lalu Prasad Yadav called his death “a deep sorrow” and praised his fight for tribal and Dalit rights.
