Shibu Soren, the towering tribal leader and patriarch of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), passed away on August 4, 2025, at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital in New Delhi, where he had been undergoing treatment for more than a month. He was 81 years old.

His death has left a massive void in the political and tribal landscape of Jharkhand, the state he helped carve out through his decades-long political struggle. As a mark of respect, the Jharkhand Government has declared a three-day State mourning, beginning Monday.

A towering figure in Jharkhand's political journey

Fondly known as "Guruji" among his supporters, Shibu Soren was instrumental in leading the Jharkhand movement, which eventually resulted in the formation of Jharkhand as a separate state in 2000.

He was not only a three-time Chief Minister of Jharkhand, but also a Union Cabinet Minister for Coal. He played a crucial role in giving voice to the tribal communities of the region and was widely respected across party lines.

Soren’s legacy lies in his commitment to tribal welfare, land rights, and forest preservation, which were the core pillars of his political ideology.

Hospitalisation and final hours

The veteran leader had been admitted to Sir Ganga Ram Hospital in Delhi since early July due to age-related complications and multi-organ issues. Despite intensive care and continuous monitoring by a panel of senior doctors, his condition worsened over the last few days.

On the morning of August 4, doctors confirmed his death, sending shockwaves through Jharkhand’s political circles and the national leadership alike.

Mourning across Jharkhand

Immediately after the announcement, Chief Minister Hemant Soren, his son, chaired an emergency Cabinet meeting and announced State mourning for three days. During this period:

• All government programs and official events stand cancelled.

• National flags will fly at half-mast on all government buildings.

• Cultural programs and celebrations are suspended across the state.

Political leaders, including the Prime Minister, President, opposition leaders, and senior tribal activists, offered condolences on social media and through official statements.

Final journey: Body to be brought to Ranchi

As per the official communication from Jharkhand Mukti Morcha, the mortal remains of Shibu Soren will be flown to Ranchi this evening, where thousands are expected to gather to bid farewell.

From the Ranchi airport, the body will be taken to the JMM headquarters, where supporters, political leaders, and the public will pay their last respects. Preparations are already underway for the final rites, which will take place in his native village in Dumka district.

National political reactions

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a condolence message, stated that Shibu Soren’s contribution to Indian democracy, especially in fighting for the rights of the marginalised, will be remembered forever.
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, Home Minister Amit Shah, and several chief ministers from neighbouring states also paid tribute to Soren's decades of public service.

Leaders from across party lines acknowledged him as a voice of the voiceless, who lived and died advocating for social justice, tribal empowerment, and regional identity.

Life and political legacy

Born in 1944 in Nemra village, Soren co-founded the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) in 1972. He entered politics by taking on exploitative moneylenders and forest contractors, who preyed on tribal communities. His early activism earned him both fear and admiration, and he was often referred to as “a man of the people.”

He won multiple elections, both at the state and national level, and held several ministerial portfolios, especially in the coal and tribal affairs departments.

Soren was instrumental in passing pro-tribal laws, safeguarding land ownership in tribal areas, and resisting external attempts to dilute tribal rights through industrial land acquisition.

Even in his old age, he remained a symbolic figure for social justice and identity politics in Eastern India. Though he gradually stepped back from active politics in recent years, he continued to be the moral backbone of the JMM.

Personal and family

Shibu Soren is survived by his wife, sons Hemant Soren, Durga Soren (late), and Basant Soren, and several grandchildren. His son Hemant Soren currently serves as the Chief Minister of Jharkhand, and is considered his political heir.

His family's role in the politics of Jharkhand is expected to continue, but replacing the gravitas and grassroots connect that Shibu Soren commanded will be a formidable task.

Tributes and public response

In Ranchi and other cities of Jharkhand, people have begun gathering in public places, lighting candles and offering floral tributes. Schools and colleges are closed in many areas, and local bodies have put up posters and banners commemorating his life.

Digital billboards across Ranchi display his smiling image, draped in tribal shawl, with the message: “Guruji Amar Rahein” (May Guruji live forever).

Conclusion

The demise of Shibu Soren marks the end of an era in Jharkhand’s political and cultural landscape. His life was a relentless pursuit of justice, dignity, and identity for the state’s tribal population.

Though physically gone, his legacy will live on in the institutions, movements, and generations of leaders he inspired. For Jharkhand and its people, Guruji will forever remain a guiding force.

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