Ranchi — The state of Jharkhand plunged into mourning on Monday following the death of Shibu Soren, revered as “Dishom Guru” and a driving force behind the statehood movement. The Jharkhand Assembly, in a heartfelt tribute, adjourned its ongoing monsoon session indefinitely.
Speaker Rabindra Nath Mahato, visibly shaken, broke the news to the Assembly, calling it a dark day for Jharkhand’s political and cultural identity. “He was a guiding light for the tribals, the downtrodden, and the voiceless. His departure leaves a void that cannot be filled,” he said.
The entire House stood in silence, followed by thunderous slogans echoing his legacy: “Veer Shibu Soren Amar Rahe” and “Dishom Guru Amar Rahe”.
Condolences came from all corners — Chief Minister Hemant Soren led tributes to his father, while Babulal Marandi, Raghubar Das, Arjun Munda, and BJP MP Nishikant Dubey recalled their personal and political connections with the late leader.
Raghubar Das wrote on social media that Soren was like a father to him. “His passing is a personal loss. I had the honour to serve under his leadership,” he said. Arjun Munda remarked that the loss was not just political but spiritual for the people of Jharkhand.
Shibu Soren had been battling illness for weeks and was undergoing dialysis following a brain stroke. He passed away at 81, leaving behind a monumental legacy — a three-time Chief Minister, Member of Parliament eight times, Union Minister, and a symbol of Jharkhand’s tribal movement.
With inputs from IANS