Editorial: The tribal icon, who was an inspiration for Telangana

Shibu Soren’s unflinching support for the Telangana cause, both morally and politically, stood as a symbol of regional solidarity and federal justice

Shibu Soren, who passed away at 81 after a brief illness, will be remembered by the nation as a popular tribal icon who fought for the rights of the marginalised communities and played a key role in the decades-long statehood movement that ultimately led to the carving out of Jharkhand State from Bihar in 2000. Soren, founder of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) and a three-time Chief Minister of Jharkhand, was a steadfast supporter of the Telangana statehood cause and an inspirational figure. In fact, he was the first guest at the inaugural meeting in Hyderabad in 2001 when the Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) was launched to fight for a separate State. His unflinching support for the Telangana cause, both morally and politically, stood as a symbol of regional solidarity and federal justice. The JMM, as part of the then UPA coalition government, played a key role in pushing for Telangana’s formation in Parliament. He understood the soul of Telangana because he had walked a similar path for Jharkhand. India’s tribal communities will remember Soren for his grit, determination and struggle for political self-determination. His tryst with political power was, however, marred by controversies and court cases. Each of his three terms as Chief Minister was short-lived due to the fragile nature of coalition politics in the State. A true pioneer of grassroots mobilisation, Soren inspired an entire generation to rise against feudal structures, oppressive landlords, and exploitative systems. From the forests to the legislative Assemblies, he gave voice to the voiceless.

Following the murder of his father at the hands of the exploitative moneylenders, Soren’s struggles in life started early as he mobilised the masses against the pernicious money-lending system, which exploited the innocent tribals. As Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) chief K Chandrashekhar Rao put it, Soren’s legacy will remain etched in the history of India’s federal journey. Popularly known as ‘Dishom Guru’, Soren’s political life was defined by continuous advocacy for the rights of tribals. In 1973, he co-founded the JMM, which became the primary political voice for the demand for a separate tribal State and got support across the Chotanagpur and Santhal Pargana regions. Soren’s grassroots mobilisation against feudal exploitation is said to have shaped him into a tribal icon. After decades of agitation, steered by him and others, the statehood dream was finally realised with the formation of Jharkhand in November 2000. Soren’s ministerial stints at the Centre were marred by serious legal challenges. In July 2004, an arrest warrant was issued against him in connection with the 1975 Chirudih massacre case, in which he was named the main accused in the killing of 11 people. After spending time in judicial custody, he was granted bail in September 2004 and re-inducted into the Union Cabinet in November. Later, a court in March 2008 absolved him of all charges.

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