Shibu Soren, the veteran Indian politician and co-founder of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), has died at the age of 81. The news of his passing on Monday, August 4, 2025, marks the end of a long and impactful political career that saw him become a champion for tribal rights and a key figure in the creation of Jharkhand state.

Affectionately known as "Dishom Guru," or "Great Leader," a title bestowed by the Santhal community to which he belonged, Soren's political journey began in the early 1970s. He became involved with liberating tribal lands from outside interests, an effort that was rooted in his own personal experiences, including the murder of his father by moneylenders. In 1972, he co-founded the JMM with Bengali Marxist trade union leader A. K. Roy and Kurmi-Mahato leader Binod Bihari Mahato, with the goal of securing land rights and a separate state for the tribal people of the region.

Soren's career in elected office was extensive, active at both the national and state levels. He served as a Member of Parliament for the Lok Sabha from the Dumka constituency for seven terms and was also a member of the Rajya Sabha. At the state level, he served as the Chief Minister of Jharkhand three times, in 2005, from 2008 to 2009, and again from 2009 to 2010. While these tenures were short, they highlighted his crucial role as a political power broker in the state's coalition politics. He also served as the Union Minister for Coal in the UPA government.

His political journey, while successful, was not without controversy. Soren faced legal challenges and was, at one point, convicted in a murder case, though the conviction was later dismissed. His commitment to the cause of tribal people and his role in the creation of Jharkhand state in 2000 cemented his legacy.

Soren had been undergoing treatment at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital in New Delhi for kidney-related problems since late June 2025 and had been on life support for the last month. He passed away with his family, including his son and current Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren, by his side.

Tributes have poured in from across the political spectrum, with leaders recognizing his role as a grassroots leader and a strong voice for tribal identity and rights. The Jharkhand government has declared three days of state mourning in his honor.