Former Jharkhand CM Shibu Soren dies at 81

Soren, the founding patron of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), died at a Delhi hospital.

The news has been confirmed by Shibu Soren's son and current Jharkhand CM, Hemant Soren.

Shibu Soren, who was the Rajya Sabha MP, remained the third CM of Jharkhand.

In his first term, Shibu Soren remained the CM for 10 days in 2005, then from 2008-2009 and finally 2009-2010.

Shibu Soren, who was elected to Lok Sabha from the Dumka constituency, had remained the country's Coal Minister.

In 2006, Shibu Soren was convicted in the kidnapping and murder of his personal secretary Shashinath Jha.

He was sentenced to life imprisonment in the case that dated back to 1994.

However, the Delhi High Court in 2007 overruled the district court verdict and acquitted the former CM.

Mourning his demise, President Droupadi Murmu said on X, "The demise of Shri Shibu Soren Ji is a big loss in the space of social justice. He championed the cause of tribal identity and formation of the state of Jharkhand. Besides his work at the grassroots, he also contributed as the Chief Minister of Jharkhand, as a Union Minister and as a Member of Parliament.

"His emphasis on the welfare of the people, especially the tribal communities, will always be remembered. I extend my deepest condolences to his son and Chief Minister of Jharkhand Shri Hemant Soren Ji, other family members and admirers."

Mourning his demise, Prime Minister Narendra Modi posted on X, "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."