
Sun Jan 25 19:15:13 UTC 2026: ### Soren Legacy Honored, JMM Pushes for Bharat Ratna
The Story:
On January 25, 2026, Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren expressed gratitude to the Central government for posthumously awarding his late father, Shibu Soren, with the Padma Bhushan. However, Soren’s party, the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), voiced a strong demand for Shibu Soren to be honored with the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian award. The JMM, along with Congress leaders, emphasized Shibu Soren’s contributions to the upliftment of tribal communities and the formation of Jharkhand, arguing that the Bharat Ratna would be a more fitting tribute to his legacy.
Key Points:
- Shibu Soren posthumously awarded the Padma Bhushan by the central government.
- JMM demands Bharat Ratna for Shibu Soren, viewing the Padma Bhushan as insufficient recognition.
- Hemant Soren acknowledges the Padma Bhushan while emphasizing his father’s profound impact on tribal communities.
- Congress leaders echo the JMM’s sentiment, supporting the call for a Bharat Ratna.
- Shibu Soren, who passed away in August 2025, was a towering figure in Jharkhand politics, advocating for tribal rights and the creation of a separate state.
Key Takeaways:
- The Padma Bhushan award to Shibu Soren, while appreciated, has ignited a push for a higher honor, the Bharat Ratna, highlighting the complex interplay between regional sentiments and national recognition.
- The JMM is leveraging Shibu Soren’s legacy to reinforce its political standing in Jharkhand.
- The demand reflects a broader trend of regional leaders seeking greater acknowledgement of their contributions to nation-building.
Impact Analysis:
- This event can intensify the political discourse surrounding tribal rights and representation at the national level.
- The continued demand for a Bharat Ratna could keep Shibu Soren’s legacy at the forefront of political discussions, potentially influencing electoral dynamics in Jharkhand.
- The central government’s response to this demand will be closely watched, as it could signal the future trajectory of Centre-State relations.