Shibu Soren is usually associated with the formation of Jharkhand. A Santhal tribal leader, Soren entered politics when the voices of those from far-flung forest areas were not heard in national discourse.
His initial activism was not politically oriented, it was direct, social, and local. In the 1970s and 80s, he organized agitations against moneylenders and landlords cheating tribal farmers. Soren was referred to as "Guruji" by his supporters and became a symbol of resistance and identity for numerous people from Jharkhand's rural belts.
When Jharkhand was excised from Bihar in 2000, Soren was one of those who had long lobbied for statehood. He emerged as the public face of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), a party strongly attached to tribal interests, land rights, and local self-government.
Throughout the decades, his political career has experienced both ascent and downturns. He was Chief Minister more than once, although many of his tenures were brief as a result of changing alliances. He also occupied central roles, such as the Union Coal Minister post.
Controversies trailed him as well. He had to engage in legal battles, was convicted in a murder trial and subsequently acquitted, and had issues relating to governance. But despite all this, his image among tribal communities remained undented.
His son Hemant Soren now governs the state, carrying on with the family's political legacy. Though newer leaders now exercise official authority, Shibu Soren continues to have an influence on decisions from the shadows.
For Jharkhand's people, he is not just a politician. He is the embodiment of a journey stretching from the jungles to the assembly benches, a journey constructed not merely on theory, but on experience. In that way, Shibu Soren's legacy transcends vote counts. It is inscribed into the state's very identity.
On this Special Report, anchor Akshita Nandagopal examines the political storm ignited by the announcement of the Padma Awards. While the centre hails them as the 'People's Padma' based on merit, critics argue the selections are 'electionising' the honours, particularly in poll-bound states like Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal. Akshita Nandagopal notes, 'this recognition of merit is being read through a political lens, with critics accusing the centre of politicising' the awards. The programme breaks down the numbers, revealing Maharashtra has the highest count, yet highlights controversial inclusions like V.S. Achuthanandan and Shibu Soren for Padma Vibhushan. Reporters Shibi Mole and Anagha Keshav join to discuss the impact in Kerala and Tamil Nadu, including the debate over Mammootty’s 'long overdue' Padma Bhushan and the recognition of IIT Madras Director V. Kamakoti. The report concludes by celebrating the immense contributions of the awardees in culture, science, and public service despite the surrounding political showdown.
On this Special Report, the focus is on the announcement of the Padma Awards 2026, celebrating icons and grassroots changemakers. Former UGC Chairperson M. Jagadesh Kumar, honoured with the Padma Shri, stated, 'You know that many reforms have to happen in higher education and in the coming years we will be rapidly implementing the NEP 2020 and already a lot of transformation has taken place and these reforms will be carried out at scale.' The awards recognize a diverse group, including late actor Dharmendra for the Padma Vibhushan and cricketer Rohit Sharma for the Padma Shri. The bulletin also highlights a historic milestone for Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, the first Indian astronaut to receive the Ashok Chakra following his Axiom-4 mission to the International Space Station. Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the recipients, noting their contributions strengthen the nation. The 2026 list features significant representation from Southern states, particularly Kerala and Tamil Nadu, alongside gallantry awards conferred by President Droupadi Murmu.
On this special report, the focus is on the announcement of the Padma Awards 2026, which honour icons and grassroots change-makers across India. Former UGC Chairperson Mamidala Jagadesh Kumar, who has been conferred with the Padma Shri, shared his vision for the future of Indian academia. He stated, 'These reforms will be carried out at scale so that, you know, our country's higher education will reach the next level and help our students become, you know, global leaders in science and technology.' The bulletin highlights other major recipients, including late actor Dharmendra and late former Kerala CM V S Achuthanand for the Padma Vibhushan. The list also features sports icons Rohit Sharma and Harmanpreet Kaur, alongside industrialist Uday Kotak. Kumar noted that the awards now increasingly recognise 'unsung heroes' working selflessly in remote areas, providing great motivation for those serving society. The 2026 awards see a significant representation from Southern states, particularly Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
On this special report, India Today’s Piyush Mishra provides a detailed breakdown of the Padma Awards announced on the eve of Republic Day. A total of 131 individuals have been honoured across various categories, including Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Shri. Mishra highlights that 'The biggest name which we can see and which is also the first number is Narendra Modi, who has also been awarded the Padma Vibhushan.' The list features prominent figures such as veteran politician Shibu Soren, who was awarded the Padma Bhushan posthumously for his work with tribals in Jharkhand, and former cricket captain Rohit Sharma in the sports category. Other notable awardees mentioned include singer Alka Yagnik, politician V.K. Malhotra, and actor Dharmendra Deol. The awards recognise lifelong contributions in fields ranging from medicine and art to public affairs and literature, including several individuals of Indian origin and foreign nationals from Russia and Germany.
On this breaking news report, the focus is on the announcement of the Padma Awards, one of India's highest civilian honours. The unidentified speaker details the recipients of the Padma Vibhushan and Padma Bhushan across various fields including cinema, politics, and medicine. A significant highlight is the posthumous recognition of the legendary actor Dharmendra, with the speaker noting, 'He has got the Padma Vibhushan, recognizing his contribution as far as the film industry is concerned.' Other prominent awardees mentioned include former Kerala Chief Minister V. S. Achuthanandan and megastar Mammootty for their contributions to public affairs and cinema respectively. The list further includes former Uttarakhand Chief Minister Bhagat Singh Koshyari, JMM chief Shibu Soren, and industry leaders like Uday Kotak and Piyush Pandey. The report underscores the diverse contributions of these individuals to the nation in fields ranging from social work to literature and education, marking a moment of national recognition for their professional and public service.
This special report delves into the controversy surrounding India's anti-corruption ombudsman, the Lokpal, featuring a sharp critique from Senior Congress MP Abhishek Manu Singhvi in an interview with India Today's Rajdeep Sardesai. Singhvi questions the institution's priorities, stating, 'I want the watchdog not a lapdog I have no problem with the cars'. The debate ignites over a tender for seven luxury BMW cars for Lokpal members, a move Singhvi calls a 'tragic irony'. Singhvi presents data suggesting the Lokpal's ineffectiveness, citing only a handful of investigations and alleging it targets opposition figures like Mahua Moitra and Hemant Soren while showing opacity on complaints against the ruling party. The discussion scrutinizes the performance of the Lokpal, headed by former Supreme Court Judge A.M. Khanwilkar, and whether the institution has failed to live up to its mandate as a powerful anti-corruption watchdog.
In an exclusive interview with India Today TV, senior lawyer Abhishek Manu Singhvi shared his thoughts on Lokpal floating tender for 7 luxury BMWs and its functioning.
Shibu Soren led tribal uprisings, co-founded a statehood movement, and became one of Jharkhand’s most powerful leaders.
Shibu Soren, the founder of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha and a three-time chief minister of Jharkhand, has passed away at the age of 81.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Sir Ganga Ram Hospital in Delhi to pay homage to former Jharkhand Chief Minister and JMM patriarch Shibu Soren, who died at 81 after a prolonged illness. PM Modi shared photos from the visit, including a moment where he was seen consoling an emotional Hemant Soren.
Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) patriarch and former Chief Minister of Jharkhand, Shibu Soren, has passed away at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital in Delhi. Known as 'Guruji' to his followers, Soren was a prominent tribal leader who spearheaded the movement for the creation of a separate Jharkhand state. He was admitted to the hospital in the last week of June for a regular medical check-up. His son and current Jharkhand Chief Minister, Hemant Soren, confirmed the news. Following the news, Jharkhand Minister Irfan Ansari stated, "This loss is very big for Jharkhand. He gave us Jharkhand, and it is because of him that we survived." Leaders from various opposition parties had visited the Soren family at the hospital to offer their support.
In a blow to the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), Jama legislator Sita Soren tendered her resignation from the party on Tuesday, citing allegations of being sidelined along with her family. In her resignation letter addressed to the party's supremo and her father-in-law, Shibu Soren, Sita expressed her grievances, stating that following the demise of her husband, Durga Soren, the party failed to provide adequate support to her and her family.
Parliament is likely to see uproar today too on its 13th day of the monsoon session as Union Home Minster Amit Shah is all set to move the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Bill, 2023 in Rajya Sabha. The AAP has issued a whip to all its MPs, asking them to be present in the Rajya Sabha on Monday and Tuesday as the Delhi services bill is expected to be tabled in the Upper House of Parliament.
