KCR condoles demise of JMM chief Shibu Soren, recalls support for Telangana movement

BRS leaders K. Chandrashekhar Rao, K.T. Rama Rao, and T. Harish Rao paid tributes to late JMM founder Shibu Soren, recalling his pivotal support for the Telangana movement. They called his death a major loss to India’s federal and tribal causes.

Hyderabad: BRS chief and former Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao on Monday expressed deep sorrow over the demise of Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) founder and former Jharkhand Chief Minister Shibu Soren. He said Shibu Soren’s demise is a huge loss to regional political parties in the national spectrum, the federal spirit, and the tribal community.

In a statement, Chandrashekhar Rao extended heartfelt condolences to Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren and the bereaved family, and prayed for peace to the departed soul.

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Recalling his bond with Shibu Soren, the BRS chief said the veteran leader’s role in the Jharkhand statehood movement had inspired the formation of the Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS). He recalled that Soren was the first guest at the TRS’s inaugural meeting in Hyderabad in 2001 and remained a staunch supporter of Telangana’s cause.

Chandrashekhar Rao said Shibu Soren‘s support for Telangana, both morally and politically, stood as a symbol of regional solidarity and federal justice. He noted that the JMM, as part of the then UPA coalition government, played a key role in pushing for Telangana’s formation in Parliament.

He also remembered meeting Shibu Soren in 2022, post-statehood, to express gratitude and seek his blessings. “His legacy will remain etched in the history of India’s federal journey,” he added.

BRS working president KT Rama Rao paid heartfelt tributes to Shibu Soren and recalled his unwavering support with rare conviction during the Telangana statehood movement. He termed Shibu Soren as a towering figure in Indian politics and a tireless crusader for tribal rights and regional self-determination.

“His demise is not just a personal loss. It marks the end of an era shaped by justice, identity, and dignity,” he said. He extended condolences on behalf of the Telangana people and the BRS family to Hemant Soren and the bereaved family.

Rama Rao said Shibu Soren’s vision and values would remain etched in the collective conscience of the nation. He recalled the moral strength Shibu Soren provided to BRS president Chandrashekhar Rao during the tumultuous years of the Telangana movement.

“He understood the soul of Telangana because he had walked a similar path for Jharkhand,” he said, stating that Soren’s legacy will continue to guide voices that dare to demand what is just and rightful.

Former Minister and senior MLA T Harish Rao too expressed sorrow, calling Shibu Soren a leader who dedicated his life to tribal rights and the formation of Jharkhand. He extended condolences to Hemant Soren and his family.