Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh) [India], August 4 (ANI): Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday expressed condolences over the demise of former Jharkhand Chief Minister and Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) founder Shibu Soren, calling him a leader who dedicated his life towards the upliftment of the tribal community.

Taking to social media platform X, Yogi Adityanath wrote, 'The passing of former Jharkhand Chief Minister Shri Shibu Soren ji is deeply saddening. My humble tributes to him! He dedicated his life to the upliftment of tribal society. I pray to Lord Shri Ram that the departed noble soul attains salvation and that his grieving family is granted the strength to bear this immense sorrow. Om Shanti.'

Jharkhand's first Chief Minister and senior BJP leader Babulal Marandi also expressed his condolences on the passing of the veteran tribal leader. In his message on X, Marandi stated, 'The news of the passing of Jharkhand's former Chief Minister and JMM patron Shri Shibu Soren ji is deeply saddening. His departure is an irreparable loss for Jharkhand. I pray to God for the peace of his soul and for strength to the grief-stricken family to bear this sorrow. Om Shanti!'

The former Chief Minister of Jharkhand and leader of Jharkhand Mukti Morcha, Shibu Soren, passed away after a prolonged illness at the age of 81 in New Delhi.

Jharkhand Chief Minister and his son Hemant Soren confirmed the demise of the leader in a post on X.

'Respected Dishom Guruji has left us all. Today, I am devastated,' Hemant Soren said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also mourned the demise of former Chief Minister of Jharkhand and leader of Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) leader Shibu Soren.

PM Modi remembered Shibu Soren's work for empowering tribal communities and the poor.

Sharing an X post, PM Modi wrote, 'Shri Shibu Soren Ji was a grassroots leader who rose through the ranks of public life with unwavering dedication to the people. He was particularly passionate about empowering tribal communities, the poor and downtrodden. Pained by his passing away.'

The Prime Minister spoke to Shibu Soren's son and Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren, and expressed condolences.

'My thoughts are with his family and admirers. Spoke to Jharkhand CM Shri Hemant Soren Ji and expressed condolences. Om Shanti,' the X post read.

According to the Sri Ganga Ram Hospital in the national capital, where the former Chief Minister was admitted, Shibu Soren was suffering from a kidney ailment, and had suffered a stroke one and a half months ago. He was on life support for the past one month.

Shibu Soren led the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha for 38 years and is known as the founding patron of the party. He was the third Chief Minister of Jharkhand.

Over a four-decade career in politics, Soren was elected to the Lok Sabha eight times and served as a Rajya Sabha MP for two terms. (ANI)