Shibu Soren, the veteran leader who shaped Jharkhand’s political identity, passed away in Delhi at the age of 81. He had been battling illness for weeks and was on ventilator support. His son and current Chief Minister, Hemant Soren, confirmed the news, saying he felt an “irreplaceable void”. With his death, Jharkhand has lost the man who transformed its tribal struggle into statehood.
Early Life Rooted in Hardship
Born on January 11, 1944, in Nemra village, Shibu Soren grew up witnessing poverty and injustice. His father, Sobran Soren, was killed after standing up to moneylenders who exploited tribal villagers. This tragedy left a deep mark on him. He left his schooling midway, worked as a teacher for a short time, and soon turned to activism. His fight began in the forests and villages of Santhal Parganas, where he mobilised tribal communities against exploitation.
Founding JMM and Leading a Movement
In 1972, Soren co-founded the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM). The party became the voice of tribal people who felt left out of mainstream politics. Soren’s ability to connect with the poor and his sharp organisational skills quickly made him the face of Jharkhand’s identity movement. Under his leadership, JMM held protests, strikes and rallies demanding land rights and social justice.
The Road to Jharkhand’s Creation
The call for a separate Jharkhand state grew louder through the 1980s and 1990s. Soren led countless marches and demonstrations that brought national focus to the region. His determination finally paid off in 2000, when Jharkhand was carved out of Bihar. For tribal communities, this was more than just a political decision. It was the fulfilment of a long and emotional fight for recognition, and Soren stood at its centre.
A Leader Who Wore Many Hats
After statehood, Soren became Chief Minister of Jharkhand three times between 2005 and 2010. He also served twice as Union Coal Minister. His terms saw both achievements and political turbulence, yet his grip over tribal politics remained strong. Known popularly as ‘Dishom Guru’ or the tribal guide, he pushed hard for policies to protect land and forest rights while also fighting for welfare measures that reached the poorest.
Trials and Controversies
Soren’s career was not without setbacks. In 2006, he was convicted in a murder case but was later acquitted. Despite these challenges, he returned to politics repeatedly, backed by his core support base. His resilience became part of his image, symbolising a leader who stood firm despite storms.
Legacy That Defined a State
Over five decades, Soren’s work turned into a political legacy. His party, JMM, remains a dominant force in Jharkhand. His son Hemant Soren has carried forward that legacy as Chief Minister. For many in Jharkhand, Shibu Soren was not just a politician but the voice of their struggles, dreams, and rights.
Leaders Remember ‘Dishom Guru’
Tributes poured in from across the country. Prime Minister Narendra Modi called him a “strong voice for Jharkhand”. President Droupadi Murmu, who shares tribal roots, described him as someone who dedicated his life to his people. Leaders across party lines acknowledged his role in shaping the state’s political and social fabric.
The End of an Era
Shibu Soren’s story is that of a man who rose from hardship to become the architect of a state. His journey from the dusty villages of Santhal Parganas to the corridors of power, captured the spirit of Jharkhand’s fight for identity and rights. His passing leaves behind a political and emotional vacuum, but his life remains a reminder of how one man’s grit can shape history.
