Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Sir Ganga Ram Hospital in Delhi on Monday to pay his final respects to former Jharkhand Chief Minister Shibu Soren, a towering figure in India’s tribal politics who passed away at the age of 81 after a prolonged illness.
Modi’s quiet presence and heartfelt condolence to the grieving family, especially his embrace of Hemant Soren, marked a rare moment of emotional unity in a politically divided landscape.
A Leader Bows to a Legacy That Shaped Jharkhand
Modi’s visit wasn’t just a routine protocol stop.
It was personal.
The prime minister shared images on X (formerly Twitter), showing him clasping hands with the late leader’s son and current Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren. In one, Modi gently consoles a visibly shaken Hemant, whose eyes brimmed with tears. The caption read: “My thoughts are with Hemant Ji, Kalpana Ji and the admirers of Shri Shibu Soren Ji.”
There was no grand speech, no microphones. Just silence. A rare thing in Indian politics these days.
This wasn’t a photo op — it was a nod across party lines to a man whose political life was shaped by rebellion, sacrifice, and raw grassroots power.
The Emotional Toll on Hemant Soren
Hemant Soren, a second-generation tribal leader, looked emotionally drained. After all, Shibu Soren wasn’t just a father — he was a symbol.
In a short yet powerful message posted online, Hemant wrote: “Respected Dishoom Guru has left us all. Today, I have become empty.” That single word — empty — carried a nation’s grief.
His pain is shared by many in Jharkhand. In tribal pockets from Dumka to Gumla, villagers gathered around transistor radios and phones, offering prayers and lighting candles.
A senior JMM leader said, “This is more than a political loss. It’s like losing our spine.”
From Coal Minister to ‘Dishoom Guru’
Born in Nemra village in what is now Jharkhand, Shibu Soren spent most of his political life fighting for the rights of Adivasis.
His resume was long:
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Union Minister for Coal: Three separate terms between 2004 and 2006.
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Lok Sabha MP: Six times between 1980 and 2005.
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Rajya Sabha MP: Elected three times.
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Jharkhand CM: March 2005, then August 2008 to January 2009, and finally December 2009 to May 2010.
But beyond titles, what people remember is his nickname — Dishoom Guru. It came from his fiery speeches and militant defense of tribal land rights.
In the 1970s, he founded the Santhal Army, an armed group to resist exploitation by moneylenders and landlords. That legacy never left him. Even in Parliament, he carried that rawness, that defiance.
His Final Days: Hospital Stay, Silent Struggles
Shibu Soren had been battling kidney complications for months. In late June, he was admitted to Sir Ganga Ram Hospital.
Then came the stroke.
He was put on life support and never recovered. Sources close to the family say the last month had been incredibly painful — both for him and those around him.
A senior doctor from the hospital, requesting anonymity, said: “His body was failing but his will wasn’t. Even unconscious, his heart held on.”
For those who knew him well, that summed him up. Stubborn. Fierce. Relentless.
National Reactions Pour In From Across the Aisle
Political reactions have been pouring in since news of his death broke.
Modi’s statement called him a “grassroots leader with unwavering dedication,” especially toward tribal upliftment and the underprivileged.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi also offered condolences, tweeting, “Shibu Soren Ji’s contribution to tribal empowerment is unforgettable. A powerful voice has fallen silent.”
Here’s a snapshot of political leaders who responded publicly:
| Leader | Party | Statement Snippet |
|---|---|---|
| Narendra Modi | BJP | “Dedicated to tribal communities… Om Shanti.” |
| Hemant Soren | JMM | “Today, I have become empty.” |
| Rahul Gandhi | Congress | “Powerful voice has fallen silent.” |
| Droupadi Murmu | President of India | “A pioneer in tribal rights.” |
| Amit Shah | BJP | “His journey will inspire generations.” |
Behind the Political Curtain, A Personal Goodbye
What makes Modi’s visit stand out is not just the protocol, but the personal tone.
It’s no secret that BJP and JMM have been at loggerheads over multiple state issues. The Enforcement Directorate’s ongoing cases against Hemant Soren and other party leaders have only deepened that divide.
Yet, in that moment at the hospital, politics didn’t matter.
A man had lost his father. A political dynasty was in mourning. And a prime minister, often seen as stoic and unsentimental, chose to show up — quietly.
The Road Ahead for Jharkhand’s Political Landscape
While the grief is still fresh, there’s no denying the political ramifications.
Hemant Soren’s position as CM has been under pressure — partly due to legal cases, and partly due to internal factionalism within the JMM. With Shibu Soren gone, he’s lost his most trusted advisor.
A JMM spokesperson admitted, “There’s a vacuum now. Not just emotional, but strategic. Guruji was our compass.”
It remains to be seen how this affects alliance politics in the state. Especially with Lok Sabha elections only a few months away.
A Farewell Without Fireworks — Just Grief and Respect
The funeral is expected to be held later this week in Dumka, Jharkhand. State government officials have confirmed full state honours.
But if you’re looking for the usual political circus, this probably won’t be it. Shibu Soren was a man of the soil. And that’s how he’ll go.
