Ranchi, September 6 (Daily Kiran) : The political landscape of Jharkhand has been shaken by the unexpected death of Sudivya Kumar Sonu, a cabinet minister and senior leader of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM). His passing late Saturday night marks a somber milestone, as he becomes the third education minister to die in just over three years.
Sonu passed away in Giridih, where he was preparing for bed at his residence in Harsingaraydeh. Family sources reported that he suddenly experienced chest pain, prompting his relatives to rush him to Mercy Hospital in Giridih. Despite medical efforts, he succumbed to what is believed to be a heart attack.
As the Minister for Higher and Technical Education, Sonu also oversaw tourism, arts and culture, sports, youth affairs, and urban development. His death follows that of Jagarnath Mahto, who died on April 6, 2023, in Chennai after suffering severe lung damage from a COVID-19 infection, which ultimately required a lung transplant. Mahto had been a prominent figure in the JMM and was elected four times from the Dumri assembly seat.
In 2024, when Hemant Soren’s government was re-elected, the education ministry was handed to Ramdas Soren. Unfortunately, Ramdas Soren also passed away on August 15, 2025. This series of losses—three education ministers in a little over three years—has left a significant void in the Jharkhand government.
All three leaders were integral to the JMM and played crucial roles in the state’s politics. Jagarnath Mahto and Ramdas Soren were involved with the School Education and Literacy Department, while Sudivya Kumar Sonu managed the Higher and Technical Education Department. His death is not just a loss for the JMM but a substantial blow to the Jharkhand government as a whole.
Sonu was known to be a close ally of Chief Minister Hemant Soren and was a strong advocate for government policies and departmental issues. His involvement in recent student movements highlighted his commitment to education. The unusual coincidence of losing three education ministers within such a short timeframe will likely remain a topic of discussion in Jharkhand’s political circles for years to come.
Leave a Comment