Former Chief Minister of Jharkhand, Shibu Soren passed away at the age of 81 in New Delhi this morning. The Rajya Sabha MP, Shibu Soren had been suffering from a kidney ailment and had suffered a stroke a month and a half ago. He had been on life support for the past month at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital in the national capital.

President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to the departed soul at the hospital. Meanwhile, the President, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and other dignitaries also expressed grief over the demise of former Chief Minister of Jharkhand, Shibu Soren. In a social media post, President Murmu said that Mr Soren’s demise is a big loss in the space of social justice. She highlighted that he championed the cause of tribal identity and formation of the state of Jharkhand. The President noted that his emphasis on the welfare of the people, especially the tribal communities, will always be remembered.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi termed Mr Soren as a grassroots leader who rose through the ranks of public life with unwavering dedication to the people. In a social media post, the Prime Minister  said, Mr. Soren was particularly passionate about empowering tribal communities, the poor and downtrodden. Mr Modi expressed his thoughts with Mr. Soren’s family and admirers. The Prime Minister also informed that he spoke to Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren and expressed his condolences.

In Jharkhand, a three-day state mourning will be observed from today until August 6. All government offices will remain closed on August 4 and 5. The Monsoon session of the Jharkhand Assembly, which was in progress, has been adjourned sine die today following the death of Shibu Soren. He was the President of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha party and the father of Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren.