Jharkhand Higher Education Minister Sudivya Kumar Sonu Dies Of Cardiac Arrest

Jharkhand Higher and Technical Education and Urban Development Minister Sudivya Kumar Sonu died of cardiac arrest at a private hospital in Ranchi early Sunday, the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) said. The 56-year-old minister was admitted late Saturday night after his health suddenly deteriorated and died during treatment at around 4 am.

Sonu, a legislator from the Giridih Assembly constituency, also held charge of the Tourism, Arts, Culture, Sports and Youth Affairs departments in the Jharkhand government. The JMM expressed shock over his sudden death, describing him as a dedicated party leader whose loss would be deeply felt by the organisation, government and state. Party leaders extended condolences to his family, colleagues and supporters.

Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren mourned the death of his close aide, recalling Sonu as a trusted companion, mentor and committed participant in the Jharkhand movement. Transport, Revenue and Land Reforms Minister Deepak Birua also expressed grief, noting that Sonu's condition had worsened suddenly on Saturday night before he was taken to hospital. Leaders across the ruling party joined the tributes following the unexpected death.

Also Read: 11-Year-Old Boy Dies After Alleged Attack By 9-Year-Old In Uttarakhand

Sonu was elected from Giridih in 2019 and emerged as an important JMM leader and close associate of Soren. He played a significant role in the party's political affairs, including during the period following Soren's arrest in 2024 in connection with a land-related money laundering case. His political responsibilities expanded over the years, with his ministerial portfolios covering higher education, urban development, tourism, culture and sports.

Just days before his death, Sonu had returned from Karnataka, where he led a Jharkhand government delegation to examine tourism infrastructure and management practices. During the visit, the delegation met Karnataka Tourism Minister K J George to explore possible cooperation in tourism and forest management. Discussions also included the possibility of working with Jungle Lodges & Resorts as a knowledge partner for managing tourism facilities and resorts at key destinations in Jharkhand.

Sonu is survived by his wife, two daughters and a son. His sudden death has left the JMM and the Jharkhand government mourning the loss of a senior minister and party strategist. Leaders have remembered his contributions to the party and the state, while condolences continued to pour in following news of his death.

Also Read: Punjab Influencer Manjeet Kaur Dies After Nearly Two-Month Battle Following Alleged Attack