New Delhi (India) – Former Jharkhand chief minister Shibu Soren passed away at the age of 81 on Monday. Hemant, the current chief minister of Jharkhand, confirmed his death in an emotional tweet on X.
Shibu Soren had been battling significant health challenges in recent weeks. Over a month earlier, he was admitted to Delhi’s Sir Ganga Ram Hospital due to severe kidney problems. After a stroke, his condition worsened, and he needed continuous ventilator assistance. According to an official announcement, the hospital’s team of doctors declared him dead at 8:56 am on Monday.
In a statement, the hospital stated that Shibu Soren had succumbed after enduring a long illness. It also noted that his condition was critical. The bulletin explained that he had been on life support for the last month due to complications related to his kidney disease and stroke.
Shibu Soren, also known as Guruji or Guru Dishom, was an important figure in the statehood movement of Jharkhand. He was an influential figure in Indian politics for decades. As a former Chief Minister of Jharkhand, he left a mark on the socio-political fabric of that region. Soren’s unmatched contributions to tribal communities and his tireless fight for their empowerment won him respect all over the country.
Hemant Soren, his son, expressed the sadness of this loss with a heartfelt tribute on the internet. He said, “The respected Guru Dishom is no longer among us.” “Today, I am empty.” The current Chief Minister expressed his deep grief and acknowledged the role of his father in shaping Jharkhand’s identity.
आदरणीय दिशोम गुरुजी हम सभी को छोड़कर चले गए हैं।
— Hemant Soren (@HemantSorenJMM) August 4, 2025
आज मैं शून्य हो गया हूँ…
Shibu Soren, a leader in advocating for the rights of marginalized groups and leading movements that culminated in the creation of Jharkhand in 2000 as an independent state. As the founding president of Jharkhand Mukti Morcha, he gave tribal and underprivileged groups a voice for change and vision. In his long political career, he was a leader in the governance of Jharkhand Mukti Morcha, policy making, and brought issues of concern to his community before national audiences.
Leaders from all political parties have expressed their condolences and recognized Soren’s contributions to society. His unwavering dedication to social justice has been hailed by many, who believe that Soren’s death marks the end of an era of Jharkhand political life.
The Chief Minister’s Office is expected to announce in the near future further arrangements for funerals and public tributes.
Shibu Soren
Shibu Soren was an influential leader who fought for Jharkhand to become a state. He is also one of the architects behind its social-political character. Soren, who was born on 11 January 1944 in Nemra Village of Hazaribagh District (now Ramgarh), dedicated his life to the upliftment of marginalized groups. In 1972, he founded the Jharkhand Mokti Morcha party and was a member of Parliament as well as Chief Minister for Jharkhand on several occasions. He has left a legacy that transcends politics, demonstrating a tireless commitment to social improvement.
