The Rajya Sabha was adjourned until Tuesday as a mark of respect to veteran tribal leader and Jharkhand Mukti Morcha patriarch Shibu Soren, who passed away earlier in the day after a prolonged illness.

As the Upper House convened, Deputy Chairman Harivansh rose to announce the demise of one of India’s most revered political figures.

In a voice tinged with emotion, he read out a brief life sketch of Soren, describing him as “Dishom Guruji” — a title of deep reverence among tribal communities — and “Guruji”, the name by which he was affectionately known across Jharkhand.

Shibu Soren was not merely a parliamentarian, Singh said. He was a voice for the voiceless, a relentless advocate for the poor, tribal, and marginalised communities.

His contribution to the creation of Jharkhand and his unconditional commitment to public service will remain etched in the annals of Indian Parliamentary history, the deputy speaker said.

Soren’s Parliamentary career spanned decades, marked by eight terms in the Lok Sabha and three in the Rajya Sabha, including his current membership.

Throughout his tenure, he was known for his ability to bring even the faintest whispers of the disenfranchised into the national discourse.

In June 2025, veteran tribal leader Shibu Soren was admitted to Sir Ganga Ram Hospital in Delhi, suffering from kidney complications and the effects of a stroke. His health steadily declined despite intensive care and life support. After weeks of critical treatment, he passed away on August 4 at 8.56 a.m., marking the end of a towering political legacy. His death leaves a profound void in Jharkhand’s political and tribal landscape.

The House observed a moment of silence to honour the departed soul.

The Deputy Chairman then directed the Secretary-General to convey the Rajya Sabha’s deepest condolences to Soren’s family, acknowledging the profound loss felt across the political spectrum.
In recognition of his towering legacy and lifelong service, the House was adjourned until Tuesday, allowing members time to reflect on the passing of a man who helped shape the destiny of Jharkhand and gave voice to generations of tribal citizens.

PM Modi condoles passing away of ex-Jharkhand CM 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences on the passing of former Jharkhand Chief Minister Shibu Soren, describing him as a “grassroots leader” who dedicated himself to public service with unwavering commitment to the people.

Taking to X, PM Modi posted, “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,” he added.
Shibu Soren died at a Delhi hospital at the age of 81 after a prolonged illness.

“Respected Guru Dishom has left us all. Today, I have become empty…” wrote Hemant Soren on his X handle in Hindi.

Shibu Soren’s demise a big loss in space of social justice: President Murmu

President Droupadi Murmu expressed her sorrow over the passing of former Jharkhand Chief Minister and founder of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), Shibu Soren, calling his demise a “big loss” in the field of social justice.

Shibu Soren passed away at the age of 81 in New Delhi’s Ganga Ram Hospital after a prolonged illness.

Taking to X, President Murmu posted, “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,” she added.

Bihar leaders mourn Shibu Soren’s death

Political leaders across party lines in Bihar mourned the death of veteran tribal leader and former Jharkhand Chief Minister Shibu Soren, who breathed his last at the age of 81 at a hospital in Delhi after battling a prolonged illness.

Soren’s death has plunged Jharkhand and the wider tribal political movement into deep mourning. A state mourning has been declared in Jharkhand, and several national leaders are expected to attend his last rites.

One of the most influential figures in India’s tribal rights movement, Soren founded the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha in 1972 and played a pivotal role in the creation of the state of Jharkhand in 2000, carved out of Bihar after decades of sustained agitation. He served as Chief Minister of Jharkhand thrice — briefly in 2005, from 2008 to 2009, and from 2009 to 2010. He also held the post of Union Coal Minister and was elected to the Lok Sabha seven times from Dumka.

Despite facing several controversies during his long political career, Soren remained a towering figure in tribal politics and was revered for his unwavering commitment to indigenous rights, land reform, and the upliftment of the marginalized.

Following the announcement of his demise, leaders across party lines in Bihar expressed their grief and paid tribute.

RJD National President and former Bihar Chief Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav called it an “irreparable loss.”

“He was our friend, and we always worked together. His death is a loss not just for Jharkhand, but for the country and the tribal movement. He consistently fought for the poor, the deprived, and the tribal communities. The void his passing has left will be hard to fill. May God grant peace to his soul and strength to his family,” Yadav said in a condolence message.

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar also expressed deep sorrow. “Shibu Soren was a prominent political figure and served as Jharkhand’s Chief Minister three times. His contribution to Jharkhand’s politics and society was immense. His demise is a major loss for the entire country. I pray for eternal peace to the departed soul and strength to his family and admirers,” Kumar posted on social media.

Jharkhand mourns Shibu Soren’s death

The monsoon session of the Jharkhand Assembly was adjourned indefinitely on Monday to mourn the demise of Dishom Guru Shibu Soren — a pioneer of the Jharkhand movement, founder of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha, and sitting Rajya Sabha MP.

The session, which was originally scheduled to continue till August 7, came to an abrupt halt shortly after it began on Monday morning.

Speaker Rabindra Nath Mahato, his voice trembling, informed the House of the veteran leader’s death.

“Today is a very sad day for the politics and society of Jharkhand. Dishom Guru is no longer with us. He dedicated every moment of his life to the underprivileged, tribals, and the identity of Jharkhand. His departure is an irreparable loss not just for this state, but for the entire country,” said the Speaker.

A moment of silence followed, after which all MLAs stood and paid tribute with slogans of ‘Veer Shibu Soren Amar Rahe’ and ‘Dishom Guru Amar Rahe’ echoing through the House.

Leaders cutting across party lines recalled Soren’s role in statehood activism, his long political journey, and his efforts to empower tribal communities.

Chief Minister Hemant Soren, ministers, Opposition leader Babulal Marandi, and other MLAs offered their condolences.

Marandi said, “The news of Shibu Soren ji’s passing is deeply saddening. His departure is an irreparable loss for Jharkhand. I pray for peace to his soul and strength to his family in this hour of grief.”

Former Chief Minister and ex-Governor of Odisha, Raghubar Das, shared his condolences on social media, writing, “I am shocked and deeply saddened by the demise of Dishom Guru, respected Shibu Soren ji. It is a personal loss for me. He was like a father figure, and I had the privilege of serving as Deputy Chief Minister under his guidance. May God grant him a place at His feet and give us all the strength to bear this loss.”

Former Chief Minister Arjun Munda also expressed his grief, stating, “Shibu Soren ji’s passing is not just a personal loss but a blow to the political and social consciousness of Jharkhand. Our bond was not merely political — it was deeply personal. He was the soul of Jharkhand.”

BJP MP from Godda, Nishikant Dubey, remarked that with Shibu Soren’s demise, an era has come to an end. He acknowledged Soren’s pivotal role in the growth of JMM and extended his condolences to Chief Minister Hemant Soren and the bereaved family.

Lalu Yadav pays tribute to Shibu Soren

RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav expressed deep sorrow and paid tribute to former Jharkhand Chief Minister and Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) founder Shibu Soren, who passed away on Monday morning in a Delhi hospital after a prolonged illness.

“Today, Shibu Soren passed away. He was a great leader of Dalits and Adivasis. It is a matter of deep sorrow, and we pay our heartfelt tribute to him,” said Lalu Yadav.

Shibu Soren, the towering tribal leader and father of current Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren, breathed his last at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital in Delhi at 8.56 a.m., according to a statement issued by the hospital.

“He died after a prolonged illness. He was suffering from a kidney ailment and had also suffered a stroke a month and a half ago. He had been on life support for the past month,” the hospital said.