RANCHI: On the concluding day of the Monsoon Session, the Jharkhand Assembly witnessed a historic moment as it unanimously passed a resolution recommending the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian honour, for iconic tribal leader and former Chief Minister Shibu Soren, fondly known as “Dishom Guru”.
The resolution, moved by Revenue and Land Reforms Minister Deepak Birua, was adopted by voice vote, with support from both the ruling and opposition benches.
Shibu Soren, founder-patron of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) and a towering figure in the movement for a separate Jharkhand state, passed away on 4 August at the age of 81 while undergoing treatment at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital in Delhi.
While backing the resolution, Leader of Opposition Babulal Marandi urged the state government to also recognise the contributions of Jaipal Singh Munda and Vinod Bihari Mahto, two other key figures in the Jharkhand movement. He suggested that their names should also be recommended to the Centre for national honours.
Presenting the resolution, Minister Birua highlighted Shibu Soren’s lifelong dedication to protecting tribal rights and leading the fight for statehood.
“His contribution holds historical significance in achieving social justice and democratic values. He was not just a political leader but a visionary. Through his tireless struggle, we got a new state and a new identity. Conferring the highest civilian honour would be a true tribute to him,” Birua stated.
He added, “In accordance with the spirit of the ruling and opposition members, I move a resolution that this House request the Government of India to confer Bharat Ratna on Dishom Guru Shibu Soren.”
During the discussion, MLAs across party lines paid glowing tributes to Soren’s legacy, calling him the architect of the Jharkhand movement. Members recalled his unyielding fight for the rights of tribals, farmers, and marginalised communities, noting that his leadership laid the foundation for the creation of Jharkhand in 2000.
Revered as “Dishom Guru,” Shibu Soren was credited with shaping the tribal identity and political consciousness of the region. Legislators emphasised that his life’s work was deeply tied to the dignity, pride, and self-respect of the people of Jharkhand.
Following the resolution’s adoption, the Assembly echoed with chants of “Bharat Ratna Shibu Soren,” reflecting the deep emotional and political consensus surrounding the demand.
The Monsoon Session of the Jharkhand Assembly had resumed on 22 August after a brief adjournment due to Soren’s demise. Since then, there had been growing momentum and bipartisan calls for conferring the Bharat Ratna on the late leader. On Thursday, that demand culminated in the unanimous passage of the resolution.