What Legacy Did Shibu Soren Leave Behind?

New Delhi, Aug 4 (NationPress) Condolences flooded in from across the political landscape on Monday as Shibu Soren, the former Chief Minister of Jharkhand and a founding figure of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), passed away at the age of 81 following a prolonged illness.

The announcement of Soren's passing was made by his son, the current Chief Minister of Jharkhand, Hemant Soren. Affectionately referred to as "Guruji" or "Dishom Guru" in his native state, Shibu Soren was a key figure in the tribal rights movement and played a crucial role in establishing Jharkhand as a distinct state.

He held the office of Chief Minister three separate times — initially in 2005, then from 2008 to 2009, and again from 2009 to 2010 — although his tenures were often brief due to political instability.

Leaders from various political parties paid tribute to the esteemed leader, reflecting on his lifelong commitment to empowering tribal communities and marginalized populations.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah expressed his sorrow on X, stating, "The news of the passing of former Jharkhand Chief Minister Shri Shibu Soren ji is profoundly saddening. He fought tirelessly for the rights and upliftment of the tribal community in Jharkhand."

Shah further remarked, "His humble demeanor and simplicity allowed him to connect with the people. May God grant peace to his soul and strength to the grieving Soren family and his admirers to endure this loss."

Union Minister J.P. Nadda also conveyed his condolences, saying, "He consistently advocated for the rights of tribal individuals and the underprivileged. Shibu Soren Ji was beloved among the public for his approachable nature. My heartfelt condolences to his mourning family."

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh shared his tribute on X, noting, "The former Chief Minister of Jharkhand and one of the nation’s senior leaders, Shri Shibu Soren ji, was regarded as a towering figure among those who dedicated their lives to championing the rights of the underprivileged, especially the tribal community."

Singh added, "He remained deeply connected to the land and its people. His passing has left me profoundly saddened. My thoughts are with his family and supporters. Om Shanti!"

Congress National President Mallikarjun Kharge commended Soren's lifelong dedication to securing a separate Jharkhand state and advocating for its people's rights over their natural resources.

"His unwavering commitment to safeguarding tribal culture and fighting for water, forests, and land will forever be cherished," Kharge remarked.

He mentioned that he had reached out to Hemant Soren to express his "deep condolences" and prayed for strength for the grieving family.

Former Jharkhand Chief Minister Champai Soren referred to Shibu Soren's passing as "the end of an era," reminiscing about the time spent with him.

"Guru Ji, the direction you provided to the struggle of the tribals, the indigenous, and the oppressed against the Mahajani system and addiction will be remembered by generations to come. You will always hold a special place in our hearts. Your ideals will continue to guide us. The fight you started for the welfare of Jharkhand's common people will persist throughout our lives," he posted on X.

Leader of Opposition in Jharkhand, Babulal Marandi, described Shibu Soren's loss as a significant blow for the state.

"The news of the passing of Jharkhand's former Chief Minister and JMM patron Shri Shibu Soren ji is heart-wrenching. His departure is an irreplaceable loss for Jharkhand. I pray for his soul's peace and for strength to the grieving family to endure this sorrow," he posted.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath echoed similar sentiments, stating, "He devoted his life to uplifting tribal society. I pray to Lord Shri Ram that this noble soul finds salvation and that his grieving family receives the strength to cope with this immense loss. Om Shanti."

Bahujan Samaj Party leader Mayawati extended her condolences on X, stating, "I offer my heartfelt sympathies to his son, Shri Hemant Soren, the present Chief Minister of Jharkhand, his family, and all his supporters. May nature provide them the strength to endure this grief."

NCP-SP MP Supriya Sule expressed her sorrow, saying, "I am deeply saddened by the passing of former Chief Minister of Jharkhand Shri Shibu Soren ji. His unwavering commitment to the rights and welfare of the people of Jharkhand and the tribal community will always be remembered. My thoughts and prayers are with Chief Minister Hemant Soren ji, the Soren family, and his supporters during this challenging time. May his soul rest in peace. Heartfelt condolences."

Odisha Chief Minister and Biju Janata Dal leader Naveen Patnaik remarked, "I am deeply saddened to learn of the demise of former Jharkhand Chief Minister and founder of Jharkhand Mukti Morcha Shibu Soren. He was a significant tribal leader and will be remembered for his dedication to fighting for the rights of tribal and marginalized communities. My thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved family, friends, and supporters during this time of grief."

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta also expressed her condolences on X, stating, "The long struggle that Shibu Soren Ji undertook for the rights, respect, and upliftment of the tribal community will always be memorable. May God grant the noble soul a place at His divine feet and provide strength to the grieving family, including Chief Minister Hemant Soren Ji, and followers to bear this immense sorrow."

Aam Aadmi Party leader and Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal also paid heartfelt tributes, saying, "Dishom Guru Shri Shibu Soren Ji was not merely a politician but the very essence of Jharkhand and its tribal community. He dedicated his life to advocating for tribal rights, 'jal-jungle-zameen', and constitutional justice. His passing signifies the end of an era."

"His departure is an irreplaceable loss to national politics and the tribal movement. May God grant peace to his soul and fortitude to Shri Hemant Soren Ji and all family members to bear this sorrow," he added.

Known for his profound wisdom, tireless activism, and emotional bond with the tribal populace, Soren's life was devoted to the pursuit of social justice and indigenous rights.