Did Shibu Soren's Legacy Shape the Telangana Movement?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Shibu Soren was pivotal in the creation of Jharkhand.
- He championed tribal rights throughout his life.
- His support for the Telangana movement was significant.
- Soren's political career included eight terms in Lok Sabha.
- His legacy continues to inspire future movements for justice.
Hyderabad, Aug 4 (NationPress) Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy and former Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Jharkhand's former Chief Minister Shibu Soren. CM Revanth Reddy praised Guruji Shibu Soren as an unwavering fighter who played a crucial role in the establishment of Jharkhand and tirelessly advocated for tribal rights throughout his lifetime.
CM Revanth Reddy acknowledged Shibu Soren's remarkable efforts in combatting exploitative moneylenders and drug addiction, leaving a lasting impact on these critical issues.
Recalling Soren's steadfast support for the creation of smaller states, CM Revanth Reddy noted that he was a strong ally of the Telangana statehood movement right until its culmination.
CM Revanth Reddy asserted that Guruji's contributions to the Adivasi (tribal) community will be forever remembered in history.
Shibu Soren distinguished himself as an eight-time Lok Sabha MP, served twice in the Rajya Sabha, and held the position of Chief Minister of Jharkhand.
He extended his heartfelt condolences to Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren, the grieving family members, and the admirers of the late leader.
Former Chief Minister and Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) president K. Chandrasekhar Rao (KCR) also expressed his condolences regarding Shibu Soren's passing.
KCR emphasized that Soren's struggle for tribal rights and regional identity served as a motivating force for the Telangana statehood movement.
The BRS leader characterized Soren's death as an irreplaceable loss for regional identity, federal politics, and tribal communities.
KCR reminisced about his personal connection with Shibu Soren and the support he provided to the Telangana movement.
KCR highlighted that Soren's advocacy for Jharkhand's statehood, which mirrored India's federal spirit, inspired the demand for a separate Telangana state.
He recalled inviting Shibu Soren to the inaugural meeting held in Hyderabad in 2001, during the establishment of the Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS).
The former chief minister noted that Soren's unwavering support for the Telangana movement can never be forgotten.
KCR acknowledged Soren's understanding of the aspirations of the Telangana populace and his backing for the renewed movement for Telangana's statehood.
He remembered Soren's full support for the establishment of Telangana in 2014.
The BRS chief also noted that during the Telangana movement, Soren's JMM was part of the UPA government at the Centre and played a pivotal role in advocating for Telangana's formation.
KCR mentioned that in 2022, he visited Jharkhand to seek Shibu Soren's blessings.
He conveyed his sympathies to Shibu Soren's son, Hemant Soren, and other family members.
BRS working president K.T. Rama Rao shared on 'X' that he was profoundly saddened by the departure of Shibu Soren, a towering figure in Indian politics and a relentless advocate for tribal rights and regional self-determination.
“His passing is not merely a personal loss — it signifies the conclusion of an era defined by an unwavering commitment to justice, identity, and dignity,” he stated.
“During the challenging times of the Telangana movement, Shibu stood by us with remarkable resolve. His solidarity with BRS President KCR and moral support for the Telangana agitation fortified us during crucial moments. He grasped the essence of Telangana because he had traversed a similar path for Jharkhand,” the BRS leader remarked.
“As the founder of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha, he led with determination and transformed what was once a dream into constitutional reality. His legacy will persist in guiding every voice that dares to demand justice and rightful recognition,” he added.
BRS MLC K. Kavitha also expressed her condolences over Shibu Soren's passing, asserting that Soren was a powerful advocate for tribal rights and provided support to the Telangana statehood campaign.