Sri Lanka
USA
Canada
India
UK
UAE
Shibu Soren, a towering figure in Indian tribal politics and the architect behind the formation of Jharkhand, passed away at the age of 81 while undergoing treatment in Delhi. The influential leader had been on life support following a stroke and was also battling a kidney ailment.
Fondly known as “Dishom Guru” — meaning “Great Leader” in Santhali — Soren co-founded the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) and was instrumental in securing statehood for Jharkhand in 2000. Though he served three terms as the Chief Minister of Jharkhand, political instability prevented him from completing any full term.
His death was announced by his son, Hemant Soren, the current Chief Minister of Jharkhand, who shared an emotional tribute:
“Our respected Dishom Guru has left us, I have nothing left.”
Born in 1944 in a remote village of present-day Jharkhand, Soren spent his early years under the shadow of social and economic injustice. His political activism began in the 1970s when he founded the JMM to fight for the rights of tribal communities and advocate for the separation of Jharkhand from Bihar.
Soren also held national influence, having served as India’s federal coal minister in the Congress-led government in 2004 and again in 2005. However, his career was not without controversy—he faced multiple criminal charges, including two murder cases, from which he was later acquitted.
Despite the legal hurdles, Soren remained a symbol of grassroots tribal resistance and leadership. His efforts were crucial in putting tribal issues on the national map, and he inspired generations of leaders and activists.
As news of his passing spread, tributes poured in from across the political spectrum:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised him as “a grassroots leader with unwavering dedication to the people.”
Jairam Ramesh, senior Congress leader, called him “a pivotal figure” in the formation of Jharkhand and “a legend whose passion for justice was inspirational.”
Lalu Prasad Yadav, former Bihar Chief Minister, expressed deep sorrow and remembered Soren as “a great leader who fought for the rights of tribals and Dalits.”
Shibu Soren leaves behind a legacy that reshaped Indian regional politics and empowered one of the country’s most marginalized communities. He is mourned as not just a politician, but a revolutionary force for tribal identity and statehood.
