Padma Bhushan for Shibu Soren draws tributes from Hemant Soren, JMM and BJP in Jharkhand

Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren, the ruling Jharkhand Mukti Morcha and the opposition BJP welcomed the posthumous Padma Bhushan for Shibu Soren. President Droupadi Murmu conferred the award for public affairs, received by Rupi Soren. Leaders said the honour recognises his public service, social justice work and advocacy for tribal rights.

Leaders across Jharkhand’s political spectrum welcomed the posthumous Padma Bhushan for Shibu Soren on Tuesday. Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren, the ruling JMM and the opposition BJP called it a proud moment. They linked the honour to the state, its tribal community and India.

President Droupadi Murmu conferred the Padma Bhushan on Shibu Soren for public affairs. Shibu Soren’s wife, Rupi Soren, accepted the award for the late leader. Political leaders said the recognition reflected Shibu Soren’s long role in public life and social causes.

Padma Bhushan for Shibu Soren draws reactions in Jharkhand

Hemant Soren said the award recognised a lifelong struggle and public service. Hemant Soren said it acknowledged sacrifices and a focus on social justice. Hemant Soren also noted leadership in movements on water, forests and land. Hemant Soren added that tribal identity and the rights of deprived groups mattered.

In a social media post, Hemant Soren wrote: "Dishom Gurujis leadership in the fight for water, forests, land, tribal identity, social justice and the rights of Jharkhand has been historic, unparalleled and unforgettable,\". Hemant Soren also thanked the president and the Centre. Hemant Soren said Shibu Soren worked for tribals, the exploited and the working classes.

JMM general secretary Vinod Kumar Pandey said the award honoured Jharkhand’s people. Vinod Kumar Pandey also called it recognition for the tribal community. Vinod Kumar Pandey added that it mattered to millions tied to the separate statehood movement. Jharkhand assembly speaker Rabindra Nath Mahato said it was a tribute to sacrifice and dedication.

Rabindra Nath Mahato said: \"His life is a shining example of simplicity, struggle and inspiration,\". Rabindra Nath Mahato said Shibu Soren’s rise drew public trust. Rabindra Nath Mahato added that the path from revolutionary leader to chief minister reflected mass movements. Leaders said this shaped Jharkhand’s political story.

Padma Bhushan for Shibu Soren highlights legacy and Jharkhand movement

Union Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth spoke about Shibu Soren’s social message. Sanjay Seth said Shibu Soren urged people to avoid substance abuse. Sanjay Seth said Shibu Soren encouraged farming, education and self-reliance. State BJP president Aditya Sahu also welcomed the honour.

Aditya Sahu said recognising Shibu Soren brought pride to Jharkhand. Aditya Sahu described Shibu Soren as a pioneer of the Jharkhand movement. Aditya Sahu also called Shibu Soren a voice of the tribal community. Leaders from both sides said the award carried meaning beyond party lines.

Shibu Soren was born on January 11, 1944, in Nemra village of Ramgarh district. Shibu Soren was widely known as Dishom Guru. Shibu Soren became one of India’s influential tribal and regional leaders. Shibu Soren led the Dhan Katni Andolan for tribal land rights against the mahajani system.

Shibu Soren died at 81 in August last year, ending a major chapter in Jharkhand politics. The Padma Bhushan has brought renewed attention to Shibu Soren’s role in land and identity movements. Leaders said the award reflected decades of struggle and public work. The reactions on Tuesday showed broad agreement on Shibu Soren’s impact.

With inputs from PTI