Breaking: Jharkhand minister Sudivya Kumar Sonu dies of heart attack, State mourns
THE JHARKIHAND STORY NETWORK RANCHI, September 6: Jharkhand Minister for Higher Education and Urban Development Sudivya Kumar Sonu died after suffering a…
Higher Education Minister Sudivya Sonu speaking in the Jharkhand assembly.
THE JHARKIHAND STORY NETWORK
RANCHI, September 6: Jharkhand Minister for Higher Education and Urban Development Sudivya Kumar Sonu died after suffering a heart attack at his residence in Giridih late Saturday night, sending shockwaves across the state’s political circles.
According to reports, Sonu had dinner at his residence before going to sleep. He later complained of chest pain and uneasiness, following which family members rushed him to Mercy Hospital, a private healthcare facility in Giridih. Doctors began treatment, but his condition deteriorated rapidly and he died shortly thereafter. His condition was reportedly too critical to allow for a transfer to Ranchi.
Sonu’s sudden death comes at a politically significant time, with the minister having emerged as one of the most important members of the Hemant Soren cabinet.
Sonu was widely regarded within the ruling establishment as a key trouble-shooter for Chief Minister Hemant Soren and was considered among the second-most powerful ministers in the Soren cabinet.
His political and administrative importance became particularly evident in recent weeks when the state government formed a ministerial committee to engage with students protesting over various issues related to recruitment examinations and the education system.
Sonu headed the committee and was tasked with holding talks with the protesting students and helping find a way forward amid growing tension over the student agitation.
Played key role in talks with students
The ministerial panel’s engagement with the protesters was seen as an important government effort to defuse the situation and open a channel of communication with the agitating students.
Sonu’s death is therefore likely to be felt not only within the cabinet but also in the government’s ongoing efforts to address the concerns raised by students.
His role as a senior minister handling both Higher Education and Urban Development, along with his proximity to the Chief Minister and involvement in politically sensitive negotiations, gave him considerable influence within the government.
The sudden demise of the minister has triggered an outpouring of grief in Ranchi, Giridih and other parts of Jharkhand.
