
CM Nitish, Lalu among state leaders mourn Shibu Soren's death
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Patna: Bihar CM Nitish Kumar and RJD chief Lalu Prasad among other state leaders, cutting across the party lines, mourned the demise of former Jharkhand CM Shibu Soren on Monday.
Soren, the pioneer of the Jharkhand movement and among the founder of JMM, passed away at the age of 81 in Delhi.
Nitish said Soren was a renowned politician. "He has made important contributions to the politics of Jharkhand. His death is an irreparable loss not only to Jharkhand but ... the entire country," he said.
Paying tribute to 'Guruji' as Soran was fondly called, Lalu remembered the days they spent together in undivided Bihar, and described his death as a big loss to Indian politics. "I am deeply saddened by the demise of our fellow struggler Shibu Soren ji.
Many memories of shared struggles are associated with him. He played an important role in social justice and upliftment of the deprived classes. The entire RJD family expresses its deep condolences to the family and supporters of Guruji in this hour of grief," Lalu said in a post on social media.
His son, RJD leader Tejashwi Prasad Yadav, expressed his deepest condolences to the "stalwart leader, voice of the poor, deprived, neglected and working classes and strong advocate of tribal rights".
Expressing condolences, Union minister Jitan Ram Manjhi said, "May God grant peace to his pious soul. His contribution to the development of the tribal society of the country will always be remembered."
Deputy CM Samrat Choudhary said his struggle for the uplift of the deprived society will always be remembered.
Deputy CM Vijay Kumar Sinha said the founder and guide of JMM made significant contributions to Jharkhand as well as the national politics.
"His struggle for the rights of the tribal and deprived class will always be remembered," Sinha said.
Bihar Congress president Rajesh Ram said Soren was a true public servant, a supporter of social justice and a leader who always raised the voice of the poor, exploited and deprived classes.
Among others who also expressed grief were Vikassheel Insaan Party chief Mukesh Sahani and RLM president Upendra Kushwaha.

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