It’s a truly sad day for Jharkhand. The state has lost one of its senior leaders, Ramdas Soren, the serving Minister for School Education. He passed away on Friday night, August 15th, at a private hospital in Delhi after a valiant fight following a tragic accident at his home earlier in the month. The news, confirmed by his family and party officials, has sent a wave of sorrow across the state's political landscape.
Key Highlights
- ✓ Ramdas Soren, Jharkhand's Minister for School Education, Literacy, and Registration, passed away at the age of 62.
- ✓ He died on Friday, August 15, 2025, while undergoing treatment at Apollo Hospital in Delhi.
- ✓ The cause was complications from a brain hemorrhage he suffered after a fall at his home on August 2.
- ✓ A three-time JMM MLA from the Ghatshila constituency, he was a prominent leader from the Kolhan region.
- ✓ Chief Minister Hemant Soren led the tributes, expressing profound grief over the loss.
A Tragic Accident and a Valiant Fight
Life can change in an instant, and that’s exactly what happened on August 2nd. At his ancestral residence in Ghadbandha, Ramdas Soren had a fall in the bathroom, which resulted in a severe head injury. Doctors diagnosed him with a brain hemorrhage, and his condition was critical from the start. Realizing the gravity of the situation, he was immediately airlifted from Jamshedpur to the national capital for advanced medical care.
He was admitted to Delhi's Apollo Hospital, where for nearly two weeks, doctors did everything they could. Unfortunately, his health continued to decline. According to JMM spokesperson Kunal Sarangi, Soren's condition was grave, and he had to be placed on a life support system. A few days before his passing, doctors had reportedly declared him brain dead. The situation took another turn for the worse on Friday afternoon when he developed heart-related complications, and late that night, he breathed his last.
A Respected Political Journey
You see, Ramdas Soren wasn't just a minister; he was a grassroots leader who had earned his place in Jharkhand politics through years of dedication. He was a three-time Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) from the Ghatshila constituency, a testament to the trust the people had in him. His political influence was particularly strong in the Kolhan division, and as a member of the Santhal Adivasi community, he was a significant voice for his people.
His journey to the assembly was quite a ride. He first made his mark in 2009 when, on a JMM ticket, he defeated the then-incumbent three-time MLA, Congress leader Dr. Pradeep Kumar Balmuchu. It was a major victory that announced his arrival on the state stage. However, politics is never a straight line; he faced a setback in the 2014 assembly elections, losing to BJP's Lakshman Tudu.
But that wasn't the end of his story. He made a strong comeback in the 2019 elections, reclaiming his seat and was even briefly appointed as the Minister for Higher and Technical Education. He secured his seat once again in the 2024 elections and was given the important portfolio of School Education, Literacy, and Registration Department in the Jharkhand government on August 30, 2024, a role he was serving with dedication until his untimely passing.
A Pillar in Kolhan and for the JMM
His loss is being felt deeply, especially within his party, the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), and the Kolhan region he represented. JMM spokesperson Kunal Sarangi spoke of the immense void, calling his death an "irreparable loss" for his lakhs of supporters, well-wishers, party workers, and the entire JMM family. He also extended his gratitude to the doctors and health workers at Apollo Hospital for their tireless efforts.
This tragic event comes at a particularly difficult time for the Soren family and the party, as it follows the passing of JMM founder and Hemant Soren's father, Shibu Soren, earlier in the same month. The double blow has left the party and its leadership in deep mourning.
Tributes Pour In From Across the Spectrum
The news of his death prompted an outpouring of grief from leaders across party lines, highlighting the respect he commanded. Former Chief Minister and BJP leader Raghubar Das expressed his sorrow, tweeting, "The sad news of the demise of Jharkhand's School Education and Registration Minister Shri Ramdas Soren ji has been received. May Baba Baidyanath grant peace to his soul and give strength to his family to bear this immense sorrow."
Another former CM, Arjun Munda, also shared his condolences, calling the news "extremely sad." Shweta Singh, a Congress MLA from the Bokaro seat, said she was "stunned" by the news. She described it as an "irreparable loss not only for Jharkhand's politics but for the entire state," remembering his "simple personality, dedication to public service, and his contribution to the field of education."
His colleague, JMM MLA Sanjib Sardar, shared a particularly moving tribute, reflecting the personal loss felt by those who knew him well. "This loss in the field of public service and politics of Kolhan is irreparable," he said. "We have lost our guardian, whose replacement is impossible." It’s clear that Ramdas Soren was more than just a politician; he was a mentor, a leader, and a guardian to many.
Conclusion
The passing of Ramdas Soren leaves a significant void in the political and social fabric of Jharkhand. Remembered as a resilient leader, a three-time MLA from Ghatshila, and a dedicated minister, his career was marked by a deep connection to his constituents and a commitment to public service. The tributes from all corners show a man who earned respect through his work and his character. His journey, with its victories and setbacks, reflects a life devoted to the people, and his absence will be profoundly felt.
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