Ranchi: Jharkhand Cabinet Minister Sudivya Kumar Sonu passed away following a sudden cardiac arrest late Saturday (September 5) night at his residence in Giridih. He was 56.
Most recently, he served as the government’s chief negotiator during high-stakes talks with job aspirants protesting over alleged irregularities in JPSC and JSSC examinations. Regarded as a strategist and close political associate of the chief minister, he routinely led the administration’s public outreach and policy defense. Over the years, he built a deep-rooted base in Giridih, transforming from a grass-roots organiser into a core leader within the JMM.
Family members and supporters rushed him to Mercy Hospital after his health suddenly deteriorated. his condition was too critical to permit a transfer to Ranchi for advanced care, and he passed away during treatment Although doctors made immediate efforts to revive him. Expressing grief over the sudden demise, Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren paid a moving tribute to his late cabinet colleague on social media. His elevation ended a nearly two-decade gap for Giridih, making him the first JMM minister from the constituency in twenty years. He held multiple portfolios, including tourism, art, culture, sports & youth affairs, urban development and higher & technical education.
Sonu emerged as one of JMM’s most prominent political faces after winning the Giridih Sadar seat in 2019. He secured a second consecutive term in the 2024 assembly elections, subsequently joining Soren’s cabinet.
He suffered a cardiac arrest while sleeping at his Giridih home, according to sources close to the development. “As a dedicated soldier of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha, he devoted his entire life to the fight for Jharkhand’s identity, rights and pride,” wrote the chief minister.
