Shibu Soren passes away at 81: Jharkhand’s ‘Dishom Guru’ leaves behind a political legacy

Veteran tribal leader, JMM founder, and former Jharkhand Chief Minister Shibu Soren breathed his last in Delhi after weeks of critical illness. 

Shibu Soren, one of the tallest tribal leaders in Indian politics and the founding figure of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), passed away on August 4, 2025, at the age of 81. He had been undergoing treatment at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital in New Delhi since June 19 and was in critical condition for several days. Despite extensive medical efforts, he died peacefully with family members by his side.

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Announcing his father's demise on social media, Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren wrote, "Beloved Dishom Guruji has left us. I have lost everything today". The news has plunged Jharkhand into mourning. 

आदरणीय दिशोम गुरुजी हम सभी को छोड़कर चले गए हैं।

आज मैं शून्य हो गया हूँ...

— Hemant Soren (@HemantSorenJMM) August 4, 2025

Shibu Soren’s political journey spanned over four decades, marked by grassroots activism, electoral triumphs, and moments of deep controversy. Born in Ramgarh (then part of Bihar), Soren belonged to the Santhal tribal community. He co-founded the JMM in 1972 with AK Roy and Binod Bihari Mahato, aiming to carve out a separate tribal state, an aspiration that was fulfilled in 2000 with the creation of Jharkhand.

He represented the Dumka constituency in the Lok Sabha eight times and served two terms in the Rajya Sabha. Known for his deep connect with the tribal masses, Soren was affectionately called “Dishom Guru.”

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Despite holding the post of Chief Minister three times, none of his tenures lasted a full term due to unstable coalitions. His stints in the Union Cabinet were similarly turbulent, marred by legal battles including a high-profile murder case in which he was later acquitted.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi remembered him as a grassroots stalwart committed to tribal welfare. He expressed sympathy to the Soren family and conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the people of Jharkhand during this time of loss. 

Shibu Soren is survived by his wife Roopi, sons Hemant and Basant, and daughter Anjali. His eldest son Durga passed away in 2009. With Hemant now leading both the JMM and the state government, the political mantle clearly passes on, but the legacy of Dishom Guru remains irreplaceable.

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