New Delhi, August 4: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday paid tribute to Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) founder and former Chief Minister Shibu Soren, who passed away in New Delhi earlier in the day at the age of 81. Soren had been battling a prolonged illness and was on life support at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, where he ultimately succumbed to kidney-related complications and a recent stroke.
PM Modi visited the hospital to offer condolences and meet the bereaved family, including Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren and his wife Kalpana Soren. “Went to Sir Ganga Ram Hospital to pay homage to Shri Shibu Soren Ji. Also met his family. My thoughts are with Hemant Ji, Kalpana Ji, and the admirers of Shri Shibu Soren Ji,” the Prime Minister shared on X, along with photos from the visit.
In an earlier tribute, PM Modi described Soren as “a grassroots leader with unwavering dedication to the people,” noting his commitment to the upliftment of tribal communities and the underprivileged. “Pained by his passing away. My thoughts are with his family and admirers. Spoke to Jharkhand CM Shri Hemant Soren Ji and expressed condolences. Om Shanti,” he added.
Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren announced his father’s demise via X. The state government declared a three-day mourning period from August 4 to 6, during which the national flag will fly at half-mast, government offices will remain closed, and official functions will be suspended.
The Jharkhand Assembly’s Monsoon Session, which began on August 1, was adjourned sine die following the announcement of Soren’s death, Speaker Rabindra Nath Mahato confirmed.
Several political leaders, including senior DMK leaders A. Raja and TR Baalu, visited the hospital to offer their condolences.
Tributes have poured in from across the political spectrum. Union Home Minister Amit Shah recalled Soren’s decades-long struggle for the rights of tribal communities, describing him as a humble leader who connected deeply with the masses. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge also acknowledged Soren’s role in the fight for Jharkhand’s statehood and his advocacy for water, forest, and land rights. Bihar CM Nitish Kumar and former CM Lalu Prasad Yadav also paid their homage to Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) founder and former Chief Minister Shibu Soren.
Shibu Soren is remembered as a key figure in the movement that led to the formation of Jharkhand and as a towering tribal leader whose legacy continues to inspire.
