New Delhi/Ranchi, August 4, 2025 — Veteran tribal leader and founder of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), Shibu Soren, affectionately known as ‘Dishom Guru’ or ‘Guruji’, passed away on Monday morning at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi. He was 81 and had been battling kidney-related ailments, compounded by a stroke suffered one-and-a-half months ago. He had been on life support for a month. The hospital officially declared his death at 8:56 a.m.
His son, Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren, confirmed the news in an emotional post on ‘X’, writing:
“Respected Guru Dishom has left us all. Today, I have become empty.”
A Life of Resistance and Legacy
Born on January 11, 1944, in Nemra village, now part of Jharkhand’s Ramgarh district, Soren emerged as a powerful voice against exploitative moneylending practices that burdened tribal communities. He played a pivotal role in challenging entrenched social structures and bringing national attention to the demands of tribal autonomy and rights.
He was instrumental in the movement for a separate Jharkhand state, eventually co-founding JMM in 1972 alongside A.K. Roy and Binod Bihari Mahto. The movement formally took off during a rally at Dhanbad’s Golf Ground on February 4, 1972. By the 1980s, Shibu Soren had assumed full command of the party and led it through decades of political relevance.
Political Journey and National Presence
Soren’s political career began with a defeat in the 1977 Lok Sabha elections, but he secured his place in Parliament by winning the Dumka seat in 1980, which he went on to win seven more times (1989, 1991, 1996, 2002, 2004, 2009, and 2014). He also served briefly in the Rajya Sabha in 2002 and held the post of Union Coal Minister in Dr. Manmohan Singh’s Cabinet (2004).
He became the third Chief Minister of Jharkhand in 2005, although his first tenure lasted only 10 days. His later terms were in 2008 (lasting 4 months and 22 days) and 2009–2010.
Despite controversies—including his 2006 conviction in the murder of private secretary Shashi Nath Jha (a decision later overturned by the Supreme Court in 2018)—Soren retained deep-rooted respect among his supporters.
The Soren Legacy
The Soren family has remained central to the JMM’s identity. Since Jharkhand’s formation in 2000, the party has led five state governments, all under the leadership of the Soren family. In April 2025, due to declining health, Soren stepped down from party leadership, handing over the reins to Hemant Soren as JMM national president.
He is survived by his wife Rupi Soren, sons Hemant Soren and Basant Soren, and daughter Anjali Soren. His eldest son, Durga Soren, passed away in 2009.
State Mourning and Tributes
The Jharkhand Government has declared three days of state mourning (August 4–6, 2025). During this period:
- The national flag will fly at half-mast at all government buildings.
- All state government offices will remain closed.
- No official functions will be held.
Leaders from across political parties have expressed condolences, remembering Shibu Soren as a pioneer of tribal rights, a fierce fighter for justice, and a political stalwart who redefined Jharkhand’s identity.
A towering presence in tribal politics, Shibu Soren’s passing marks the end of an era—but his fight for social justice and dignity for the marginalized will echo across generations.
