Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday expressed grief over the death of Rupi Soren, mother of Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren, and recalled her contributions towards empowering tribal communities.
Rupi Soren, aged around 80, died on Wednesday at Hill View Hospital on Bariatu Road in Ranchi, where she had been undergoing treatment for a prolonged illness.
Her condition deteriorated on Wednesday, following which doctors placed her on life support. Doctors Deepak Gupta and Ujjwal Rai later confirmed her death.
In a post on X, PM Modi said, “Pained by the passing of Rupi Soren Ji. She always worked for empowering tribal communities. In this hour of grief, my thoughts are with Hemant Ji, Kalpana Ji and their entire family.”
Her death comes a little over a year after the passing of her husband, veteran Jharkhand leader and former Chief Minister Shibu Soren, who died in Delhi on August 4, 2025.
Rupi Soren married Shibu Soren on January 1, 1962, and supported him throughout his decades-long political career and involvement in the movement for a separate Jharkhand state.
While Shibu Soren remained actively engaged in political and social movements, she managed family responsibilities and provided support during his political journey.
Shibu Soren was a prominent leader of the Jharkhand statehood movement, a founding figure of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) and a former Chief Minister of the state.
The JMM expressed condolences over Rupi Soren’s death, describing her as a symbol of struggle, sacrifice and patience.
The party said she stood firmly alongside Shibu Soren throughout his political and social struggles and remained a source of strength for the family following his death.
Describing her passing as an irreparable loss for Jharkhand and the country, the JMM said her absence would be deeply felt by Chief Minister Hemant Soren, his family and the people of the state.
(IANS Inputs)
