Jharkhand Political Icon Shibu Soren Passes Away at 81

Prominent Jharkhand politician and the founder of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), Shibu Soren, has died at the age of 81, as announced by his son, Chief Minister Hemant Soren. The veteran leader, affectionately known as "Guruji," passed away early Monday morning at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital in Delhi after battling a prolonged illness that included kidney problems and a stroke. Soren’s political journey spanned over four decades, during which he served three brief terms as Jharkhand's Chief Minister and was instrumental in the state's movement for independence, ultimately contributing to its formation in 2000. Born in 1944 in Nemra village, then part of Bihar, he was a member of the Santhal tribal community and dedicated his life to tribal rights and land issues, founding organizations such as the Santhal Navyuvak Sangh and co-founding the JMM. His leadership and activism left a lasting impact on Jharkhand's political landscape.