Tejashwi Yadav departed for Ranchi to attend Shibu Soren's funeral. Expressing his grief, he stated that the country has lost a great leader.
Tejashwi Yadav: The funeral of Shibu Soren, former Chief Minister of Jharkhand and considered a prominent voice of the tribal community, will be held today in his ancestral village Nimra, Ramgarh district. On this occasion, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav departed from Patna for Ranchi this morning. Before leaving, while interacting with the media, he expressed deep sorrow over Shibu Soren's demise and described him as a 'true representative of the poor, Dalits, and tribals.'
Tejashwi Yadav Pays Tribute, Expresses Personal Grief
While speaking to reporters at Patna Airport before his departure, Tejashwi Yadav said, "I was deeply saddened when I received the news yesterday. We know Shibu Soren Ji not only as a politician but also as an agitator, a struggling, and a dedicated leader. Throughout his life, he fought for the rights of the deprived, tribals, and the poor. His passing is an irreparable loss to the country." Tejashwi further added, "Shibu Soren was an old associate of our father (Lalu Prasad Yadav). Both shared a common struggle for social justice and the marginalized communities. His political life will continue to inspire future generations."
Crowds Gather in Ranchi
Since morning, a steady stream of people has been arriving at Shibu Soren's Morhabadi residence in Ranchi to pay their last respects. Members of the tribal community, Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) workers, representatives of social organizations, and ordinary citizens have arrived in large numbers to offer their tributes. Every eye was moist, every face emotional. According to family sources, the funeral process will be completed in his ancestral village Nimra in the afternoon. Thousands of people are expected to gather there as well.
Leaders from Across the Country Arrive for 'Guruji's' Final Journey
The passing of Shibu Soren, affectionately known as 'Guruji', is being considered the end of an era at the national level. Not only from Jharkhand but also prominent figures from the political and social spheres across the country are arriving in Ranchi to pay their last respects. Apart from Tejashwi Yadav, Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge, JMM Executive President Hemant Soren, the Chief Minister of Jharkhand, and several other prominent leaders will be present on the occasion.
'Guruji' Was the Face of the Tribal Movement in the Country
Shibu Soren's life was full of struggles. He fought a long battle for the creation of the Jharkhand state. He was not only the founder of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha but also led many mass movements to protect tribal interests. He compelled governments to bow down several times on issues such as Koel-Karo, land acquisition, and mining. He breathed his last at the age of 81 at Ganga Ram Hospital, Delhi, last Monday. 'Guruji', who had been ill for a long time, was undergoing treatment in Delhi. His mortal remains were brought to Ranchi by a special plane on Monday night, where they were kept at his residence in Morhabadi for people to pay their last respects.
Tejashwi Said – 'Leaders Like Shibu Soren Are Rare'
Tejashwi Yadav said in his condolence message, "Today, there is a lack of principles in politics, but leaders like Shibu Soren have always worked for society. He considered power not as a means to an end, but as a medium of service. We will all continue to draw inspiration from his ideas." He also said that future generations should understand the ideals of Shibu Soren and carry forward his unfinished work.
Jharkhand Mourns
There is an atmosphere of mourning throughout Jharkhand today. The state government has declared a one-day state mourning. All government offices, schools, and institutions will remain closed today. People are remembering 'Guruji' and paying tributes at their own level. Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren said, "For me, this is not just a political loss but a family loss. He taught us not only politics but also the lesson of tribal pride."
