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Basant Soren Thanks Centre for Padma Bhushan to Father Shibu Soren

The Union Government has posthumously awarded the Padma Bhushan to former Jharkhand Chief Minister and JMM co-founder Shibu Soren. His son and JMM MLA, Basant Soren, thanked the central government for the honour but suggested his father should also be considered for the Bharat Ratna. JMM MP Mahua Maji expressed disappointment that Soren was not given the Bharat Ratna and called for the Centre to reconsider the decision. Shibu Soren, who passed away in August 2025, had a four-decade political career, leading the JMM for 38 years and serving as Jharkhand's Chief Minister.

Key Points: Padma Bhushan for Shibu Soren: Son Thanks Govt, JMM Seeks Bharat Ratna

  • Shibu Soren posthumously awarded Padma Bhushan
  • Son Basant Soren thanks central government
  • JMM expresses disappointment, seeks Bharat Ratna
  • Soren was a former Jharkhand CM and JMM co-founder
  • Centre announced 131 Padma awards
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Basant Soren thanks central govt for posthumously offering Padma Bhushan to his father, Shibu Soren

JMM's Basant Soren thanks Centre for Padma Bhushan to his late father Shibu Soren, while party MP expresses disappointment, demands Bharat Ratna reconsideration.

"We want there to be a reconsideration... for him to be awarded the Bharat Ratna. - Mahua Maji"

Ranchi, January 25

The Union Government on Sunday announced Padma Bhushan to former Jharkhand Chief Minister and Jharkhand Mukti Morcha co-founder Shibu Soren.

Shibu Soren's son and JMM MLA Basant Soren thanked the central government for the honour.

"I thank the central government for taking this decision. The government should also consider honouring him with the Bharat Ratna," he told ANI.

JMM MP Mahua Maji expressed disappointment that the government did not offer Bharat Ratna to Shibu Soren and asked the Centre to reconsider.

"The stature of Dishom Guru Shibu Soren was so elevated that no honour is greater than him. We had demanded the Bharat Ratna for him. All our leaders and workers wanted him to receive the Bharat Ratna, but since he has been given the Padma Bhushan instead of the Bharat Ratna, there is a bit of disappointment. We want there to be a reconsideration on this and for him to be awarded the Bharat Ratna," she said.

"Anyway, we are thankful that he was selected for the Padma Bhushan, but there is a slight sense of disappointment in everyone's heart because we were hoping for the Bharat Ratna," she added.

Soren, who died on August 4, 2025, at the age of 81 after a prolonged illness, led the JMM for 38 years and served as the third Chief Minister of Jharkhand. During his four-decade-long political career, he was elected to the Lok Sabha eight times and served twice in the Rajya Sabha.

Along with Soren, the government also announced Padma Vibhushan for Former Kerala Chief Minister V S Achuthanandan (posthumously), Veteran BJP leader Vijay Kumar Malhotra (posthumously), Former Maharashtra Governor and former Uttarakhand Chief Minister Bhagat Singh Koshyari

The Centre on Sunday announced a total of 131 civilian honours across the Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri categories. The list includes several prominent figures from public life, arts, cinema, literature, sports and public affairs.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
While it's good to see his work recognized, the timing and the award itself feel political. The family's gratitude is natural, but demanding Bharat Ratna immediately seems a bit much. Let's appreciate the honour given.
R
Rohit P
As someone from Jharkhand, 'Guruji' was a towering figure. Padma Bhushan is a national acknowledgment, which is significant. But for us, his legacy is beyond any award. He will always be our Dishom Guru.
M
Mahua Maji
The stature of Dishom Guru Shibu Soren was so elevated that no honour is greater than him. We had demanded the Bharat Ratna for him. All our leaders and workers wanted him to receive the Bharat Ratna, but since he has been given the Padma Bhushan instead of the Bharat Ratna, there is a bit of disappointment. We want there to be a reconsideration on this and for him to be awarded the Bharat Ratna.
S
Sarah B
Reading about his career - 8 times Lok Sabha! That's an incredible record of public service. The Padma awards should be about such lifetime achievement. Respect to his family for their gracious response.
V
Vikram M
The article mentions other awardees like V S Achuthanandan. It's important to see the Padma list as celebrating diverse contributions across India, not just one region or community. A good, inclusive list this year.

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