Former Jharkhand Chief Minister and senior Rajya Sabha Member Shibu Soren passed away on Monday morning at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital in Delhi. He was 81 years old. His death was confirmed by Dr. A.K. Bhalla, Chairman of the Department of Nephrology at the hospital.
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Dr. Bhalla informed that Shibu Soren breathed his last at 8:56 AM today. The veteran leader had been undergoing treatment for multiple health issues and was in critical condition for several weeks.
Shibu Soren Was Admitted After Paralysis; Spent Weeks on Ventilator
Shibu Soren was admitted to Sir Ganga Ram Hospital on 19 June 2025 after suffering a paralysis attack. His health had been fragile for a long time, and he battled multiple complications.
Doctors placed him in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) soon after admission. He remained on ventilator support for most of his hospital stay. Although doctors occasionally removed the ventilator when his condition stabilized, recurring setbacks forced them to reintroduce it.
His treatment was led by Dr. A.K. Bhalla, who oversaw the nephrology-related complications. Soren had been suffering from chronic kidney problems, which became a major concern during his hospitalization.
Hemant Soren Shares Emotional Tribute After Father’s Death
Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren, who is Shibu Soren’s son, expressed deep sorrow over his father’s demise. In an emotional post on his official X (formerly Twitter) handle, Hemant wrote that his father’s passing has left him “empty.”
He acknowledged the void left by the leader’s death and thanked everyone who supported the family during the prolonged illness. Hemant’s words reflect the emotional impact the loss has had, not just on him, but on the entire political and social community of Jharkhand.
Health Struggles in Final Weeks
Over the past one and a half months, Shibu Soren’s condition remained unstable. He was frequently moved in and out of critical care. Each time his condition showed slight improvement, medical teams attempted to shift him off ventilator support. However, his health continued to fluctuate, and complications persisted.
Doctors made efforts to stabilize his vital functions, but his kidney condition worsened, making recovery difficult. Despite consistent monitoring, his health steadily declined, and by early August, signs of improvement had faded.
A Towering Political Figure in Jharkhand’s History
Shibu Soren was more than just a political leader. He was a symbol of tribal identity and one of the most prominent voices in Jharkhand’s political landscape. Known widely as “Guruji,” he played a crucial role in the formation and evolution of Jharkhand as a separate state.
He served as the Chief Minister of Jharkhand multiple times and was also a central minister during the UPA government. His contributions to tribal rights and regional empowerment made him a deeply respected figure in Indian politics.
The Political Journey of Shibu Soren
Shibu Soren’s political journey began in the early 1970s, when he founded the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), a party focused on the rights of tribal populations in the region. His grassroots movement eventually led to significant political gains.
Under his leadership, JMM rose to become a major political force. Soren was instrumental in advocating for the creation of Jharkhand, which was carved out of Bihar in the year 2000.
He served as Jharkhand’s Chief Minister three times, although his tenures were often cut short due to coalition dynamics and political instability. Nevertheless, he remained an influential leader till the very end.
National Influence Beyond State Borders
Shibu Soren was also active at the national level. He served as a Union Minister for Coal during the UPA government. His presence in Parliament gave a strong voice to tribal concerns, and he was one of the few leaders from a regional party to hold significant positions in central politics.
His contributions were recognized even beyond party lines. Despite controversies in his career, Soren remained a towering personality in Indian politics. His demise marks the end of an era in Jharkhand’s political narrative.
Tributes Pour In From Across the Political Spectrum
As the news of Shibu Soren’s death spread, condolences began pouring in from political leaders across the country. Many described him as a grassroots leader who transformed the political narrative for tribal communities.
Senior leaders from the ruling and opposition parties expressed grief and shared their condolences with Hemant Soren and the entire JMM family. Tributes highlighted his struggle for social justice, regional autonomy, and empowerment of the marginalized.
Arrangements for Last Rites and State Honors
According to sources, preparations are underway to transport Shibu Soren’s body to Ranchi, where his last rites will be performed. It is expected that the Jharkhand government will accord full state honors to the veteran leader.
Public viewings may be arranged in Ranchi or Dumka, his native place, where thousands of supporters are expected to gather. Final decisions on ceremonial details are likely to be announced by the state government later today.
Legacy of Guruji: A Voice That Will Echo in Jharkhand’s Soil
Shibu Soren’s passing is not just the loss of a political figure. It is the end of a voice that echoed from village gatherings to Parliament. His life symbolized resistance, identity, and the pursuit of justice for the tribal people of Jharkhand.
His political teachings, vision for Jharkhand, and legacy will continue to influence the state’s leadership and youth. He remains a mentor and role model for many in the tribal belt.
The death of Shibu Soren, former Chief Minister of Jharkhand and sitting Rajya Sabha MP, brings to an end a five-decade-long journey of political service, struggle, and leadership.
His contribution to tribal empowerment, statehood for Jharkhand, and national politics cannot be overstated. As tributes pour in, India remembers a leader who never stopped fighting for his people. His legacy will live on in the hearts of millions.
