Delhi, 4 August (H.S.): Shibu Soren, a prominent Indian politician, Rajya Sabha MP, former Union Minister, and Chief Minister of Jharkhand, passed away today at the age of 81 after a prolonged hospital stay in critical condition. His son, current Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren, announced the news on social media, expressing profound personal loss.

Soren had a distinguished political career spanning over four decades, having been elected to the Lok Sabha on eight occasions and serving two terms in the Rajya Sabha. He was a key figure in the formation of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) in 1972, alongside leftist trade unionist AK Roy and Kurmi Mahato leader Binod Bihari Mahato. As a member of the Santhal community from Ramgarh, then in Bihar, Soren became an influential leader in the movement advocating for the creation of Jharkhand, succeeded in this endeavor with the state's establishment in 2000.

Elected to the Lok Sabha for the first time in 1980, Soren represented Dumka, which became a JMM stronghold. Despite his significant political presence, he faced defeat in the 2019 elections against BJP candidate Nalin Soren by over 45,000 votes. Over the course of his career, Soren held the position of Union Minister and served as Chief Minister of Jharkhand three times, although none of his terms were completed due to various political challenges, including coalition dynamics.

Soren first assumed the role of Chief Minister in 2005 but resigned within nine days after failing a vital floor test in the Assembly. He attempted to reclaim the position two more times, but both tenures were short-lived. His contributions to regional politics and the statehood movement have left a lasting impact on Jharkhand’s political landscape.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar