Jharkhand Minister Sudivya Kumar Sonu Dies of Heart Attack at 54

Minister of Higher and Technical Education Sudivya Kumar Sonu of Jharkhand passed away late on Saturday night after suffering a heart attack at the age of 54 in Giridih.

Sonu was an MLA of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) from Giridih. He was rushed to the hospital after experiencing discomfort while resting at home, but it is reported that he breathed his last on the way to the hospital.

About Sudivya Kumar Sonu

Sonu was the MLA of the Giridih Sadar Assembly constituency. He was first elected to the Assembly in 2019. Later, he was re-elected to the Assembly in 2024. He then became part of Chief Minister Hemant Soren's Cabinet. In addition to Higher and Technical Education, he was responsible for Urban Development and Housing, Tourism, Art, Culture, Sports, and Youth Affairs.

Chief Minister Hemant Soren posted on X,

“Late last night, I received the sad news of the passing of my elder brother, our beloved Sudhivya Kumar Sonu Ji. It is extremely difficult for me to accept this news. Sonu Bhaiya's passing has left a void in my life that cannot be expressed in words.”

In his condolence message, Chief Minister Hemant Soren said that Sonu had stood solidly and loyally by the side of the late Baba Dishom Guruji since the days of the Jharkhand movement. Sonu, according to Soren, was a dedicated JMM worker who devoted his whole life to the struggle for Jharkhand's identity and self-respect.

Soren said that Sonu's commitment to Jharkhandiyat and his fighting spirit would never be forgotten. Soren said that Sonu's death was a personal loss to him, as his absence would be felt throughout his life. Soren added that he would carry Sonu's affection, struggles and dedication with him throughout his life.

Sonu held talks with protesting students

Sonu was part of negotiations between the state government and students who were protesting against irregularities in the recruitment examinations conducted by the JSSC and JPSC. In August, he had engaged in several rounds of discussions with protesting students in Ranchi as part of the ministerial team.

The negotiations took place against the backdrop of a student agitation seeking action over irregularities in government recruitment exams, including the 14th JPSC Combined Civil Services Examination. Sonu said that the government was considering changes to the examination process involving students as well as other concerned people.