"His role in Jharkhand's formation will always be remembered": Rahul Gandhi pays tribute to former CM Shibu Soren

New Delhi [India], August 4 (ANI): Describing him as "a strong voice for the tribal community" whose contribution to Jharkhand's formation "will always be remembered," Congress MP and Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Monday paid heartfelt tribute to late Shibu Soren, the veteran Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) leader who passed away this morning in the national capital.
He offered his condolences to Chief Minister Hemant Soren, the bereaved family, and all of "Guruji's" followers.
In a post on X, Rahul Gandhi wrote, "I am deeply saddened to hear the news of the passing of Jharkhand's former Chief Minister and senior JMM leader Shibu Soren Ji. A strong voice for the tribal community, Soren Ji fought tirelessly for their rights and entitlements. His role in the formation of Jharkhand will always be remembered. I express my deepest condolences to Hemant Soren Ji, the entire Soren family, and all of Guruji's supporters."
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee also mourned the loss, describing Shibu Soren as a "Guru Dishom",a revered leader for tribal communities.

"Profoundly saddened by the demise of Shibu Soren, former Chief Minister of Jharkhand, a former Union Minister, founder of Jharkhand Mukti Morcha, and Guru Dishom (great leader) for my Adivasi brothers and sisters. My heart- felt condolences to my brother @HemantSorenJMM his son and current Chief Minister of Jharkhand, as well as to his entire family, fraternity, and his all followers at large. I knew him well and respected him sincerely. A chapter of Jharkhand's history comes to an end today," the post added on X.
Meanwhile, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh called Soren's death an "irreparable loss," especially for the tribal community.
"For all of us, especially for the people of Jharkhand, people of the country and tribal community, this is an irreparable loss. We met his son and Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren. On behalf of AAP and Arvind Kejriwal, we expressed our condolences for Shibu Soren. His last rites are likely to be performed tomorrow from his native village. We will attend it," Singh told reporters.
Former Chief Minister of Jharkhand and leader of Jharkhand Mukti Morcha, Shibu Soren, passed away after a prolonged illness at the age of 81 on Monday morning in New Delhi.
Jharkhand Chief Minister and his son Hemant Soren confirmed the demise of the leader in a post on X.
"Respected Dishom Guruji has left us all. Today, I am devastated," Hemant Soren said.
According to the Sir Ganga Ram Hospital in the national capital, where the former Chief Minister was admitted, Shibu Soren was suffering from a kidney ailment. He had suffered a stroke one and a half months ago. He was on life support for the past month.
BJP leader Nishikant Dubey, expressing grief over the demise of the leader, said, "An era has ended, may God grant you and your entire family the strength to bear this sorrow. Respected Shibu Soren ji made a significant contribution to the growth of JMM."
Shibu Soren led the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha for 38 years and is known as the founding patron of the party. He was the third Chief Minister of Jharkhand.
Over a four-decade career in politics, Soren was elected to the Lok Sabha eight times and served as a Rajya Sabha MP for two terms. (ANI)