DEATH OF A POLITICAL ERA

By Anshika Khera

Shibu Soren , the veteran tribal leader who played a vital role in the creation of Jharkhand and also founded JMM , leaves behind a legacy that gave a new vision and shape to the country’s politics. His death marks the end of a political era that saw the tribal movement rise to national prominence.

Shibu Soren was born on 11 January , 1944 in Ramgarh ‘s district Nemra village. He was also known as Dishom Guru and patriarch of JMM . He was one of the most enduring political figures in the country’s tribal and regional political landscape. He was a continuous advocate for rights of tribals. His early life was marked by personal tragedy and deep socio-economic struggles.

He served as Chief Minister of Jharkhand three times. Each term was short lived due to the fragile nature of coalition politics of the state. In 2007 , he survived am assassination attempt when bombs were hurled at his convoy while he was being escorted to jail in Dumka.

Soren served as JMM’s chief for 38 years until April 2025 , when he was made the party’s founding patron. For many in Jharkhand, Shibu Soren remains a symbol of their long fought struggle for identity and self rule.