The nation mourns the loss of Shibu Soren, former Chief Minister of Jharkhand and the esteemed patron of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), who died on Monday, August 4th. The 81-year-old leader passed away at Delhi’s Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, where he had been receiving medical care for the past month and a half. His son, Hemant Soren, the current Chief Minister of Jharkhand, confirmed the news.
The mortal remains of Shibu Soren were brought to Ranchi from Delhi via a special flight, with Hemant Soren and his wife, Kalpana Soren, also on board. A multitude of people lined the streets and gathered outside Birsa Munda Airport, ready to offer their final respects to ‘Dishom Guru,’ the revered leader.
JMM workers and other political figures chanted slogans of ‘Dishom Guru Amar Rahe’ in remembrance. A large number of people came to pay their respects. The body was transported from the airport to his residence in Morabadi, where a significant crowd was present.
The funeral ceremony is planned for Tuesday at 12 noon in Nemra, his ancestral village in the Ramgarh district. It is reported that Basant Soren, his youngest son, will conduct the last rites.
Rahul Gandhi, along with the Congress state president Kharge, is expected to arrive in Ranchi to pay his respects to the deceased. Many leaders from other political parties are also expected to be present at the funeral. Prior to this, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Ganga Ram Hospital in Delhi to pay his tributes. President Droupadi Murmu also expressed her condolences. Further, Congress President Kharge, Misa Bharti, Manoj Jha, Rahul Gandhi, and several RJD leaders met with the family at the hospital.
The Jharkhand government has announced a three-day period of state mourning in memory of Shibu Soren. He had been dealing with health issues for a while and was on life support for the final month of his treatment at the hospital.