Ranchi (Jharkhand) [India], August 4 : Tributes from across the nation poured in, celebrating the life of the former Jharkhand Chief Minister Shibu Soren, following the demise of the tribal icon, who was one of the founding members of Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM).
BJP spokesperson Pratul Shah Deo remembered the "very tallest leader of recent times" noting Shibu Soren's contributions for the betterment of tribal communities and the movement that led to the formation of Jharkhand state.
"Really shocking news early in the morning. Arguably one of the very tallest leaders in recent times among the tribal communities, Shibu Soren is no more amongst us. From a very humble background, he rose to become the CM of Jharkhand. He played a very important role in the Jharkhand agitation and is regarded as the Father figure in the Jharkhand agitation," Pratul Shah Deo said.
BJP spokesperson, offering his condolences, added that Shibu Soren's ideals will continue to inspire the upcoming generation.
"Guru ji may not be with us, but his ideals will always be very relevant and a motivation for the generations to come. The entire Jharkhand BJP expresses condolences at the sudden demise, and we hope that CM Hemant Soren gets strength from God to overcome this massive grief that he is facing right now," he said.
BJP leader Roshan Lal Choudhary said that the demise of Shibu Soren is an "irreparable loss" for the state, and his contribution cannot be forgotten.
"BJP leader Roshan Lal Choudhary says, "It is an irreparable loss for the state. The whole of Jharkhand is mourning. His contributions cannot be forgotten. The people of Jharkhand stand with the grieving family," Roshan Lal Choudhary said.
JMM leader MT Raja said, "You can understand what we are going through."
Former Chief Minister of Jharkhand and leader of Jharkhand Mukti Morcha leader Shibu Sore,n passed away after a prolonged illness at the age of 81 on Monday morning in New Delhi.
Shibu Soren led the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha for 38 years and is known as the founding patron of the party. He served thrice as CM of Jharkhand in 2005, 2008-2009, and 2009-2010.
Popularly addressed as "Dishom Guru," he cofounded Jharkhand Mukti Morcha with A.K. Roy and Binod Bihari Mahato and led the movement demanding a separate Jharkhand state. He dreams of a separate identity for the Jharkhand people came in fruition in 2000.
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.