Shibu Soren passes away: Former Jharkhand CM dies at 81; son Hemant confirms, says he 'feels empty'

NEW DELHI: Former Jharkhand chief minister Shibu Soren passed away on Monday, his son and current chief minister Hemant Soren confirmed.

आदरणीय दिशोम गुरुजी हम सभी को छोड़कर चले गए हैं।

आज मैं शून्य हो गया हूँ...

— Hemant Soren (@HemantSorenJMM) August 4, 2025

Shibu Soren, 81, was a prominent tribal leader and founder of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha ( JMM ). He also served as chief minister of the state.

He was admitted to the Sir Ganga Ram Hospital in the last week of June with a kidney-related issue.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences on the death of former Jharkhand CM , and said, "Shri Shibu Soren Ji was a grassroots leader who rose through the ranks of public life with unwavering dedication to the people. He was particularly passionate about empowering tribal communities, the poor and downtrodden. 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."

Shri Shibu Soren Ji was a grassroots leader who rose through the ranks of public life with unwavering dedication to the people. He was particularly passionate about empowering tribal communities, the poor and downtrodden. Pained by his passing away. My thoughts are with his…

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 4, 2025

Congress MP Pramod Tiwari also moruned the former Jharkhand CM's demise and called Soren the "symbol of the highest honour of tribals." "Shibu Soren was the loudest voice, biggest identity and symbol of the highest honour of the tribals, on the national level and not just in Jharkhand."