Shibu Soren, the charismatic founder of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) and a three-time Chief Minister of Jharkhand, passed away on August 4, 2025, at Delhi’s Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, aged 81. His son, Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren, confirmed the demise and announced a three-day state mourning, with the state flag at half‑mast on all government buildings.
Known affectionately as “Dishom Guru” (“Great Guru”) within tribal circles, Soren dedicated his life to the tribal rights movement and played a pivotal role in the creation of Jharkhand as a separate state. His political career started from grassroots activism and culminated in national prominence as a Union Minister and Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha MP.
Healthcare officials said he succumbed following a prolonged illness, with chronic conditions including kidney disease, diabetes, and complications from a recent stroke. Despite receiving critical care for weeks on ventilator and dialysis support, Soren passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on August 4, 2025.
The passing triggered heartfelt tributes from across India. Prime Minister Narendra Modi described Soren as a “grassroots leader committed to tribal welfare,” calling his loss deeply painful. Jharkhand Governor Santosh Gangwar and national figures like Lalu Prasad Yadav and Nitish Kumar praised his lifelong dedication to social justice and tribal empowerment.
Shibu Soren political journey symbolized struggle and empowerment. He co-founded JMM in the 1970s alongside activists like Binod Bihari Mahato and A.K. Roy, campaigning tirelessly for tribal identity and land rights. Though he never completed a full term as Chief Minister—his tenures in 2005, 2008–09, and 2009–10 were brief—he remained a dominant force in state politics for nearly four decades.
Elected as Chief Minister three times and serving as Union Coal Minister, Soren also represented Jharkhand in Parliament multiple times. According to his 2019 financial affidavit, his net worth stood around ₹5.24 crore, including properties in Delhi and Ghaziabad.
His political legacy continues through the Soren family. Hemant Soren now leads JMM and serves as Chief Minister, while other family members—including Basant and Kalpana Soren—hold key positions in state politics. The Soren family remains deeply influential in Jharkhand’s political landscape (Wikipedia).
Prime Minister Modi visited Sir Ganga Ram Hospital to pay homage to Soren, while Hemant Soren emotionally reflected, “Today I have become empty,” expressing a profound personal loss.
The state government ordered a three-day shutdown (Aug 4–6), canceling official events in Jharkhand. Soren’s body was taken to Ranchi for public viewing at the assembly before burial with tribal rituals in his ancestral village, Nemra (The Times of India).
