By Sushant Agarwal
Published on | Aug 04, 2025
Shibu Soren, founder of Jharkhand Mukti Morcha, passed away at 81. He was a towering figure in Indian tribal politics and key to Jharkhand’s creation.
Born on Jan 11, 1944, in Nemra village, Soren lost his father at 15 in a land dispute—an event that shaped his fight for justice.
In 1973, Soren co-founded JMM with A.K. Roy and B.B. Mahto, giving voice to tribal demands across Chotanagpur and Santhal Pargana.
After decades of grassroots struggle, Jharkhand was carved out of Bihar on Nov 15, 2000. Soren’s vision and activism made it possible.
Elected to Lok Sabha multiple times from Dumka, Soren served as Union Coal Minister thrice between 2004–2006. His influence reached national politics.
Soren faced major legal battles, including the 1975 Chirudih case and 1994 Jha murder. He was acquitted, with the Supreme Court clearing him in 2018.
In 2007, a bomb attack targeted his convoy in Deoghar while he was en route to jail. He survived, symbolizing his contentious political life.
Soren served as Jharkhand CM thrice (2005, 2008–09, 2009–10). Coalition fragility cut his terms short, but his presence dominated state politics.
In April 2025, Soren stepped down as JMM chief after 38 years, becoming its patron. His son Hemant Soren, now CM, carries forward his legacy.
Survived by wife Roopi & children, including legislator Basant & Odisha JMM head Anjani. Elder son Durga passed in 2009; Hemant leads the state today.
For many in Jharkhand, Shibu Soren remains “Dishom Guru”—a guiding spirit in their long struggle for identity, justice, and self-governance.
Shibu Soren’s death marks the end of an era, but his ideals endure through JMM, the people of Jharkhand, and the next generation of leaders.