Jharkhand tourism minister Sudivya Kumar dies of heart attack

RANCHI: Jharkhand's tourism and urban development department Mukti Morcha Sudivya Kumar died following a cardiac arrest in Ranchi early Sunday. He was 56.Kumar was admitted to a private hospital late Saturday night and died around 4 am, party leaders said.A legislator from Giridih is survived by two daughters and a son.Chief minister Hemant Soren, Assembly Speaker Rabindra Nath Mahato and several political leaders expressed grief over his demise.CM said he like an elder brother who stood by him through difficult times."Sonu Bhaiya's departure has left a void in my life that cannot be expressed in words," Soren wrote on X.Recalling Kumar's association with the Jharkhand movement, Soren said he had worked closely with JMM founder Shibu Soren and dedicated his life to the fight for Jharkhand's identity, rights and dignity."As a dedicated soldier of the JMM, he devoted his entire life to the fight for Jharkhand's identity, rights and pride. His commitment to Jharkhandiyat and indomitable spirit will always be remembered," the chief minister said.The JMM termed Kumar's death an "irreparable loss" to the party, the govt and the state."The Jharkhand Mukti Morcha family is stunned and heartbroken by the untimely demise of Sudivya Kumar, a dedicated comrade of JMM and a minister in the Jharkhand government," the party said on X, while extending condolences to his family.Kumar was first elected to the Jharkhand Assembly from Giridih in 2019 and was considered a close aide of Soren.He played a key role in handling party affairs during several political crises, including the period following the chief minister's arrest in an alleged land fraud and money laundering case in 2024.Stay updated with the latest Ranchi news. Download the TOI App.