Who Was Shibu Soren? ‘Dishom Guru’ and JMM Founder Who Championed Jharkhand’s Statehood
Shibu Soren, one of India’s tallest tribal icons and a key founding member of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), breathed his last on August 4, 2025, in Delhi. He was 81. Widely addressed as ‘Dishom Guru’, which translates to ‘guru of the people’ in the Santhali language, Soren’s life story was deeply intertwined with the journey of Jharkhand itself — from grassroots movements to becoming a full-fledged state, from rebellion to electoral politics.
Current Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren, his son, confirmed the demise in a post on X.
“Respected Guru Dishom has departed from among us. Today, I feel completely empty…” wrote Hemant Soren on X.
What Made Shibu Soren a Tribal Legend?
Soren was more than just a political figure — he symbolised an entire movement. Honoured as Dishom Guru, he led the Adivasi resistance against the exploitative Mahajani system — a network of moneylenders who financially trapped tribal communities. His leadership during those years earned him a legendary reputation across the Santhal regions, where he vocally opposed non-tribal dominance and feudal oppression.
Dumka became his political stronghold, from where he was elected to the Lok Sabha eight times, turning the region into a JMM bastion.
Early Life and Entry into Activism
Born on January 11, 1944, in Nemhra village of Hazaribagh (now in Jharkhand), Shibu Soren lost his father Somlang Soren, a schoolteacher, to a violent incident in the 1960s. This tragedy deeply impacted his perspective and became the spark for his activism.
By the late 1960s, he had founded the Santhal Sudhar Samaj and opened an ashram in Tundi block, Dhanbad, to unite tribals and fight systemic exploitation. His struggle wasn’t limited to landlords — it extended to institutional discrimination and state apathy toward Adivasis.
When Did His Political Journey Begin?
Soren officially entered politics in 1971 when he was made general secretary of the newly-formed Jharkhand Mukti Morcha. Over the next five decades, his political journey included multiple stints as MP, roles in the Union Cabinet, and three terms as Jharkhand’s Chief Minister.
Shibu Soren’s Political Timeline: Major Milestones
- 1980: Elected to the 7th Lok Sabha from Dumka for the first time
- 1986: Becomes president of JMM
- 1989–1996: Re-elected to the 9th, 10th, and 11th Lok Sabha
- 1998–2001: Serves as Rajya Sabha MP
- 2002–2004: Wins 13th and 14th Lok Sabha terms; appointed Union Minister for Coal and Mines in May 2004
- March 2005: Sworn in as CM of Jharkhand; resigns within 10 days due to lack of majority
- 2006: Returns to Union Cabinet; resigns again following conviction in a 1994 murder case
- 2007: Survives bomb attack in Dumka while being taken to jail
- Aug 2008 – Jan 2009: Becomes CM again; steps down after failing to get elected to Assembly
- 2009–2014: Wins 15th Lok Sabha seat; appointed to key parliamentary panels
- 2010: Serves third term as CM of Jharkhand; resigns after BJP withdraws support
- 2014: Elected to 16th Lok Sabha from Dumka
- 2019: Loses to BJP’s Sunil Soren
- 2020: Takes oath as Rajya Sabha member
What Were the Major Controversies?
Soren’s career also witnessed legal and political controversies. In 2006, he was convicted for the abduction and murder of his secretary, Shashinath Jha. The case, dating back to 1994, involved Jha being kidnapped in Delhi and murdered in Ranchi. Soren had to resign from the Union Cabinet and was jailed. He was, however, acquitted later by the Delhi High Court.
He also survived an alleged assassination attempt in Dumka in 2007, while being transported to prison.
What Was His Health Condition in Recent Times?
In his later years, Soren’s health saw a steady decline. Key health-related events included:
- Feb & Sept 2023: Hospitalised due to respiratory problems; diagnosed with lower tract infection
- Feb 2025: Admitted to Medanta Hospital, Ranchi for breathing issues; later shifted to Delhi
- June 2025: Underwent treatment at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital in New Delhi
- August 2, 2025: Placed on ventilator support
- August 4, 2025: Passed away in Delhi at the age of 81
Political Legacy
Shibu Soren’s enduring legacy is defined by his central role in the formation of Jharkhand, his assertion of tribal identity, and the political upliftment of historically marginalised communities.
From championing forest rights and fighting usurious moneylenders to securing statehood and entering national politics, Soren symbolised the voice and aspirations of India’s Adivasi population.
His son Hemant Soren, now the Chief Minister, continues to lead JMM, carrying forward both the legacy and the responsibilities of the movement his father built from the ground up.
