At the 13th General Convention of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), held over two days, Chief Minister Hemant Soren was officially named as the new national president of the party. The significant announcement was made by Shibu Soren, the veteran leader and founding figure of the party, during the concluding session of the event on Tuesday.

In a symbolic and emotional moment, Shibu Soren, fondly known as 'Guruji,' passed on the leadership baton to his son, Hemant Soren. Recognizing his own declining health and advancing age, Shibu Soren accepted the role of the party’s “founder patron,” a newly formalized position that honours his legacy and continued presence within the party's leadership.

The proposal for this honorary title was put forward by senior leader Nalin Soren and endorsed by MLA Mathura Mahato, with full support from all attendees.

In his brief but heartfelt speech, Shibu Soren officially declared Hemant Soren as the new national president of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha. This announcement received unanimous support from party delegates and leaders gathered at the convention.

Prior to this elevation, Hemant had been serving effectively as the executive president and had already demonstrated his strong leadership capabilities, especially during the recent Lok Sabha and Jharkhand Assembly elections, where the party saw significant victories under his direction.

Hemant Soren’s transition into the party's top leadership role is seen as a strategic and smooth handover, with many citing his dynamic leadership and clear vision as essential to the party’s continued growth. Throughout his political journey, Hemant has received unwavering support from his wife, Kalpana Soren, who has played an influential role in bolstering the party during challenging times.

As part of the convention proceedings, the JMM also unveiled its new 284-member Central Committee. Among the newly named members are Hemant Soren himself, Pankaj Mishra from Sahibganj district, and a group of leaders from Dumka, including Shibu Soren, Nalin Soren, Basant Soren, Alok Kumar Soren, Abdul Salam Ansari, and Louis Marandi.

The convention concluded on a celebratory note, with party workers and leaders showering Hemant Soren with congratulations, flower garlands, and warm wishes as he took charge of the party’s future direction.

Jharkhand Mukti Morcha was formed in 1973 and in 1984 Nirmal Mahto took over as the party president. This was the time when JMM grew rapidly. After the assassination of Nirmal Mahto, Shibu Soren himself took over the command of the party and started giving the party a big identity in the state.

In the year 1990, the party won only 10 assembly seats, but since then the party has seen great heights in every election. At the time of the formation of the state, the party had 12 MLAs. In the year 2005, 17 MLAs were elected, in the year 2009 18, in the year 2014 19, in the year 2019 30 and in 2024 34 MLAs were elected. During his long innings as the party president for 38 years, Shibu Soren, did politics of poor, farmers, labourers and Jharkhandis.