Giridih, September 6: Jharkhand minister and JMM leader Sudivya Kumar Sonu was cremated with full state honours in Giridih on Sunday, following his sudden death earlier in the day.Chief Minister Hemant Soren, accompanied by members of his council of ministers, elected representatives and senior party leaders, attended the last rites and paid their respects to the deceased leader.
The Jharkhand government has declared September 6 and 7 as state mourning days in honour of Sonu. An official order said the National Flag would be flown at half-mast on government buildings where it is routinely displayed.The government has also suspended official state functions during the mourning period.
All state government offices are scheduled to remain closed on September 7, with the decision communicated to senior administrative and police officials.Sonu, 56, died at Mercy Hospital in Giridih on Sunday after his health deteriorated suddenly late Saturday night.
Doctors attributed his death to a heart attack, according to the report.A two-term MLA from Giridih Sadar, Sonu first entered the Jharkhand Assembly in 2019 and retained the constituency in the 2024 elections. He joined the Hemant Soren-led cabinet in December 2024.
During his tenure as a minister, Sonu handled several portfolios, including Urban Development and Housing, Higher and Technical Education, Tourism, Art and Culture, Sports and Youth Affairs.
He also served as a Central General Secretary of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha.Earlier in the day, Soren visited Sonu’s residence at Harsinghraiyadih and paid floral tribute to his mortal remains.
The Chief Minister met the bereaved family and expressed condolences, describing the death as a major loss for Jharkhand.JMM MLA Kalpana Soren also paid tribute to the late minister.Sonu’s sudden demise has triggered mourning among political leaders, party workers and supporters across the state.
