Tribal titan Shibu Soren dies after prolonged illness

Condolences poured in from across the political spectrum on Monday as former Jharkhand Chief Minister and founding patron of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) Shibu Soren, passed away at the age of 81 after a prolonged illness.

- 

The news of Soren’s demise was confirmed by his son, Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren. Fondly known as “Guruji” or “Dishom Guru” in his home state, Shibu Soren played a pivotal role in the tribal rights movement and was instrumental in the creation of Jharkhand as a separate state.

He served as Chief Minister of Jharkhand three times - first in 2005, again in 2008-2009, and once more in 2009-2010 -- although his terms were often short-lived due to political turbulence.

Leaders from all parties paid homage to the veteran leader and remembered his lifelong dedication to the empowerment of tribal communities and marginalised groups.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the Sir Ganga Ram Hospital here to pay his tributes to Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) founder and former Jharkhand Chief Minister Shibu Soren, who passed away earlier on Monday.

Prime Minister Modi also met Soren's son, Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren, and other family members to express his condolences in person.