JMM founder Shibu Soren dies at 81

HE HAD ONLY brief stints in office as Union minister and chief minister because of recurrent legal troubles and coalition frictions, but Shibu Soren the politician left an indelible mark on Jharkhand politics as a key figure of the decades-long movement that ultimately led to the state's formation in 2000.

- VIKAS PATHAK

Popularly known as "Dishom Guruji", Soren passed away in Delhi on Monday after more than a month in hospital. "Respected Dishom Guruji has left us all behind. Today, I feel completely empty," his son and current Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren posted on X.

Expressing condolences, President Droupadi Murmu posted on X, "The demise of Shri Shibu Soren Ji is a big loss in the space of social justice. He championed the cause of tribal identity and formation of the state of Jharkhand."