Jharkhand Assembly passes resolution demanding Bharat Ratna for Shibu Soren

The Jharkhand Assembly has passed a resolution recommending the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian honor, for veteran tribal leader and former Chief Minister Shibu Soren. The resolution, which received support from both the ruling and opposition parties, highlights Soren's monumental contributions to the state and its people, solidifying his legacy as one of the most significant figures in the country's political history.

Transport Minister Dipak Birua, who moved the resolution, spoke eloquently of Soren's lifelong dedication. He noted that the former Chief Minister, affectionately known as 'Dishom Guru' (leader of the land), tirelessly worked to protect the rights, dignity, and self-respect of tribals, farmers, and the oppressed. Birua emphasized that conferring the Bharat Ratna would be a fitting tribute to a leader who dedicated his entire life to the cause of social justice and democratic values.

The resolution specifically acknowledges Soren's pivotal role in the decades-long struggle for a separate state of Jharkhand. As a co-founder and patriarch of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), he was at the forefront of the movement that ultimately led to the creation of the state. His contributions are considered to have had a historical and lasting impact, reshaping the political landscape and giving the people of Jharkhand a new identity.

The bipartisan support for the resolution underscores the deep respect he commands across the political spectrum. Leader of the Opposition Babulal Marandi, while backing the resolution, also suggested that the names of other pioneers of the Jharkhand movement, such as Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Munda and Binod Bihari Mahto, should also be included. This consensus reflects a collective desire to honor the leaders who laid the foundation for the state.