New Delhi [India], August 4 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday mourned the demise of former Chief Minister of Jharkhand and leader of Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) leader Shibu Soren.

PM Modi remembered Shibu Soren's work for empowering tribal communities and the poor.

Sharing an X post, PM Modi wrote, 'Shri Shibu Soren Ji was a grassroots leader who rose through the ranks of public life with unwavering dedication to the people. He was particularly passionate about empowering tribal communities, the poor and downtrodden. Pained by his passing away.'

The Prime Minister spoke to Shibu Soren's son and Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren, and expressed condolences.

'My thoughts are with his family and admirers. Spoke to Jharkhand CM Shri Hemant Soren Ji and expressed condolences. Om Shanti,' the X post read.

Earlier today, addressing a press conference, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut also paid tribute to the ex-Jharkhand CM and said that he was 'no less than God' for the people of his state.

'We always think of Shibu Soren. Coming from a tribal state, that person joined national politics. For the people of Jharkhand, he was no less than a god. Shibu Soren is a member of the Rajya Sabha, and his seat is right next to mine,' he said.

Raut added, 'I always asked his party MPs about his health. Two days ago, I was told he was not doing well, and today he has passed away. Uddhav Thackeray and the entire family pay tributes to him. He gave his life for the welfare of the tribal population of his state.'

JMM Spokesperson Manoj Pandey also remembered Shibu Soren and called him ''Dev tulya neta' (equal to the God).

'For Jharkhand, this is the end of an era. 'Dev tulya neta', our guardian, our God, 'Dishom Guru' Shibu Soren is no more with us. It is unbelievable. The party gained this stature under his leadership and guidance. He gave Jharkhandis the strength to fight. He gave us a voice...May his soul rest in peace,' Pandey told ANI.

Earlier today, Shibu Soren passed away after prolonged illness at the age of 81 in New Delhi.

Jharkhand Chief Minister and his son Hemant Soren confirmed the demise of the leader in a post on X. 'Respected Dishom Guruji has left us all. Today, I am devastated,' Hemant Soren said.

Shibu Soren led the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha for 38 years and is known as the founding patron of the party. He was the third Chief Minister of Jharkhand. Over a four-decade career in politics, Soren was elected to the Lok Sabha eight times and served as a Rajya Sabha MP for two terms. (ANI)