How is Jharkhand Responding to the Loss of Shibu Soren?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Shibu Soren was a foundational figure in the Jharkhand movement.
- His passing has led to the indefinite adjournment of the Jharkhand Assembly.
- Leaders across political parties have united in mourning.
- Soren's contributions to tribal rights and statehood will be remembered.
- His health struggles included kidney disease and a brain stroke.
Ranchi, Aug 4 (NationPress) The monsoon session of the Jharkhand Assembly was suspended indefinitely on Monday to honor the memory of Dishom Guru Shibu Soren, a trailblazer of the Jharkhand movement, the founder of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha, and a current Rajya Sabha MP.
The session, initially set to last until August 7, abruptly ceased shortly after commencing on Monday morning.
Speaker Rabindra Nath Mahato, visibly emotional, conveyed the tragic news of the seasoned leader’s passing.
“Today marks a profoundly sorrowful day for both politics and society in Jharkhand. Dishom Guru is no longer with us. He dedicated his entire life to uplifting the underprivileged, supporting tribals, and championing the identity of Jharkhand. His loss is an unquantifiable tragedy, not only for our state but for the nation as a whole,” expressed the Speaker.
A moment of silence ensued, as all MLAs rose to pay their respects, chanting slogans like ‘Veer Shibu Soren Amar Rahe’ and ‘Dishom Guru Amar Rahe’ that resonated throughout the chamber.
Leaders from various parties reflected on Soren’s significant contributions to statehood activism, his extensive political career, and his dedication to empowering tribal populations.
Chief Minister Hemant Soren, along with other ministers and Opposition leader Babulal Marandi, extended their condolences.
Marandi remarked, “The news of Shibu Soren ji’s passing is profoundly sorrowful. His absence creates an unfillable void for Jharkhand. I pray for peace for his soul and strength for his family during this difficult time.”
Former Chief Minister and ex-Governor of Odisha, Raghubar Das, expressed his sorrow on social media, stating, “I am shocked and deeply saddened by the passing of Dishom Guru, respected Shibu Soren ji. This is a personal loss for me. He served as a father figure, and I had the honor of working as Deputy Chief Minister under his guidance. May God bless him and provide us all with the fortitude to cope with this loss.”
Former Chief Minister Arjun Munda also shared his grief, noting, “The passing of Shibu Soren ji represents not just a personal loss but a significant blow to the political and social consciousness of Jharkhand. Our relationship transcended politics; it was profoundly personal. He embodied the spirit of Jharkhand.”
BJP MP from Godda, Nishikant Dubey, stated that with Soren’s passing, an era has drawn to a close. He acknowledged Soren’s crucial role in the development of the JMM and offered his sympathies to Chief Minister Hemant Soren and the grieving family.
Shibu Soren, aged 81, died early Monday morning at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital in New Delhi. He had been hospitalized since June 18 following a brain stroke and had been battling kidney disease, requiring regular dialysis. Additionally, he underwent open-heart surgery a few years prior.
A three-time Chief Minister, multiple-term MP, and former Union minister, Soren was widely recognized as the symbol of Jharkhand’s struggle for statehood and tribal rights.