Ramgarh, August 16 (HS): Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday arrived in Nemra, the ancestral village of Chief Minister Hemant Soren, to pay his respects at the shraddh ceremony of late Shibu Soren — former Jharkhand Chief Minister and founder of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM). Representing the Central Government, Singh reached Nemra under tight security arrangements in the afternoon, as his helicopter landed amidst elaborate preparations.

From the helipad, the Defence Minister drove straight to Chief Minister Hemant Soren’s residence, where he garlanded the portrait of the revered leader, popularly known as Dishom Guru, and offered heartfelt tributes. Rajnath Singh also conveyed his condolences to Chief Minister Hemant Soren personally, before meeting Roopi Soren, the late leader’s wife. He was accompanied by Union Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth.

Long Queue of Leaders Paying Homage

Since morning, a steady stream of ministers, Members of Parliament, and legislators from across the political spectrum have been arriving to offer their last respects to the towering leader of tribal identity politics. Leaders from Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, and West Bengal have joined in to pay homage.

CM Hemant Soren Shares His Father’s Message

Chief Minister Hemant Soren, son of the late leader, has been personally receiving the guests. Beyond condolences, he has been sharing the guiding philosophy and message of his father and political mentor with the dignitaries before bidding them farewell with respect and gratitude. Guests are being ferried to the Chief Minister’s residence in totos (battery rickshaws), where he meets them in person.

Inside his residence, Hemant Soren sits solemnly, greeting all visitors with dignity as the state bids farewell to its towering tribal leader and political icon, Shibu Soren.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar