New Delhi/Ranchi, Aug 4 (UNI) Expressing deep sorrow over the passing of Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) founder Shibu Soren, Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed him as a grassroots leader who rose through the ranks of public life and was passionate about empowering tribal communities, the poor, and the downtrodden.
In his message on X, PM Modi wrote, “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. ”
The Prime Minister said the he has spoken to his son Hemant Soren, the current CM of Jharkhand, "Spoke to Jharkhand CM Shri Hemant Soren Ji and expressed condolences. Om Shanti."
Soren passed away today morning at the age of 81 at Delhi’s Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, where he had been undergoing treatment for a kidney infection and bronchitis. He was declared dead at 8:56 am, according to Dr AK Bhalla, Chair of the hospital’s nephrology department.
Announcing his father's death, Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren wrote on X: “Adarniya Dishom Guruji has left us all… Today, I am hollow.”
Fondly called “Dishom Guru” (the people’s tribal leader), Shibu Soren was a towering figure in tribal politics. As a founding member of the JMM, he played a pivotal role in the movement for the creation of Jharkhand state. Over a political career spanning decades, he served in several union ministries and was thrice the Chief Minister of Jharkhand.
The Jharkhand government is likely to announce a period of state mourning. Soren’s last rites will be held in Ranchi with full state honours.
Condolences have poured in from political leaders, including President Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge and BJP president JP Nadda.
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