Babulal Marandi backed the motion and urged recognition for Jaipal Singh Munda, Vinod Bihari Mahto
Ranchi
The Jharkhand Assembly on Thursday unanimously passed a resolution requesting the Centre to award the Bharat Ratna to late former Chief Minister and Jharkhand Movement leader Shibu Soren, who passed away earlier this month. The resolution, moved by Land Revenue Minister Deepak Birua on the final day of the Monsoon Session, was approved through a voice vote.
Birua described Soren, fondly known as “Dishom Guru,” as a lifelong defender of tribals, farmers, labourers, and the underprivileged. He said Soren’s leadership during the movement for a separate Jharkhand state was decisive, adding that honouring him with the country’s highest civilian award would be a true tribute.
Opposition leader Babulal Marandi supported the motion but also urged recognition for Jaipal Singh Munda and Vinod Bihari Mahto, who were instrumental in the statehood movement. Similar appeals had been made earlier in the session by Congress leader Pradeep Yadav, who praised Soren’s role in social reform, tribal rights, and state formation.
The resolution received wide backing from MLAs across parties, including JDU’s Saryu Rai, AJSU Party’s Nirmal Mahato, and Jharkhand Democratic Revolutionary Front’s Jairam Mahato. Jairam further proposed that statues of Soren and other leaders of the Jharkhand struggle be installed at Parasnath.
Shibu Soren, popularly known as “Guruji,” passed away on August 4 in New Delhi. His death has sparked statewide calls to bestow him with the Bharat Ratna as recognition of his unmatched contribution to Jharkhand’s identity and rights of tribal communities.
With the Assembly’s approval, the recommendation will now be formally sent to the Central government for consideration.
