Shibu Soren, founder of Jharkhand Mukti Morcha and hero of the Jharkhand movement, passed away at the age of 81. Mallikarjun Kharge and Jairam Ramesh paid their respects.
Shibu Soren: Shibu Soren, known as the soul of Jharkhand, passed away on Monday at the age of 81. He was the founder of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), former Chief Minister of Jharkhand, and former Union Minister. The news of his demise has sent a wave of mourning throughout Jharkhand and the country. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh, along with many senior leaders, have expressed deep sorrow over his death.
Mallikarjun Kharge Expresses Condolences
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge expressed grief over the passing of Shibu Soren, describing him as a leader who fought lifelong for the rights of the people of Jharkhand to water, forests, and land. He said, "Shibu Soren ji was not only the former Chief Minister and Union Minister of Jharkhand, but he was also an agitator due to whom the formation of a separate Jharkhand state was possible."
Kharge also mentioned that he spoke to Shibu Soren's son and the current Chief Minister of Jharkhand, Hemant Soren, on the phone and offered his condolences. He said, "In this hour of grief, I express my deepest condolences to Hemant Soren and his family. May God give them the strength to bear this sorrow."
Shibu Soren was the Voice of Tribal Rights
Shibu Soren was also known as 'Guruji'. He played a decisive role in the creation of the state of Jharkhand. He was always vocal about the social, cultural, and economic rights of the tribals.
His politics revolved around water, forest, and land. He led movements for decades concerning these three issues. He not only played a role in the formation of the state but also gave a lasting direction to the politics of Jharkhand later on.
Tribute from Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh
Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh also paid tribute on the social media platform 'X', saying, "Guruji Shibu Soren was not only a three-time Chief Minister and Member of Parliament, but also the most decisive face of the Jharkhand movement. The passion he showed for social and economic justice is inspiring."
Shibu Soren also played a significant role in the creation of the 'Forest Rights Act 2006' and the 'Land Acquisition Act 2013'. Both of these laws provided legal protection to the rights of tribals and farmers across the country.
Decisive Role in the Jharkhand Movement
Shibu Soren's political life began with the movement for a separate state of Jharkhand. He founded the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha in the 1970s and 80s and fought for the rights of the local people through it. He created widespread public awareness to save the land of the tribals and against the exploitation by external companies.
Symbol of Social Justice
Shibu Soren was not just a politician, he was the voice of the tribal community. He always raised his voice for the rural and marginalized sections. He worked at the grassroots level on issues of education, health, employment, and land. He made politics a medium of service and established himself on the strength of struggles.
