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The corridors of power in New Delhi are currently witnessing one of the most significant and mysterious upheavals in recent memory. Hiren Joshi, the Officer on Special Duty (OSD) for Communications and Information Technology at the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), and widely regarded as the “eyes and ears” of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is at the center of a massive political storm.
Reports surfacing from the capital suggest that Joshi, who has been an instrumental figure in shaping Brand Modi for nearly two decades, may be on his way out. This potential exit is not a quiet administrative reshuffle; it is accompanied by explosive allegations from the Congress party involving dubious business links, foreign connections, and potential conflicts of interest that could reach the highest levels of the government.
As of December 4, 2025, the PMO has maintained a stoic silence, but the political atmosphere is electric. From whispers in the North Block to press conferences at the Congress headquarters, the name “Hiren Joshi” is dominating every conversation. Here is a comprehensive deep dive into who Hiren Joshi is, why he is so powerful, and the details of the scandal that threatens to rock the establishment.
The Rumors: Is the “Super Editor” Leaving?
For over a decade, Hiren Joshi has been the invisible hand guiding the narrative of the ruling government. Unlike public-facing ministers or spokespersons, Joshi operates from the shadows of the South Block, managing the Prime Minister’s digital presence and, according to critics, steering the national media discourse.
Rumors of his sudden exit began circulating earlier this week, sending shockwaves through the bureaucracy and media houses alike. Sources suggest that this is not a routine transfer. Speculation is rife about a “high-level fallout” or a “forced resignation” following internal security audits, though no official confirmation has been released.
The timing is critical. With crucial state elections on the horizon and the government facing scrutiny on various economic fronts, the departure of its chief communication strategist would be a catastrophic blow to its public relations machinery. The silence from official government channels has only fueled the speculation, leading many to believe that a significant crisis management operation is underway behind closed doors.
The Congress Charge Sheet: “Business Partners and Foreign Links”
The situation escalated dramatically when the Congress party decided to bring the whispers into the public domain. In a fiery press conference held on December 3, 2025, senior Congress leader and media department chairman Pawan Khera launched a direct attack on Hiren Joshi, posing questions that have left the administration in a tight spot.
Khera did not mince words, labeling Joshi as “the most powerful person in the PMO” and accusing him of having undeclared business interests that compromise national security. The allegations are specific and damaging:
- Mystery Business Partners: The Opposition has demanded full disclosure regarding Joshi’s business associates. They allege that while holding a sensitive government post, Joshi or his close aides may have maintained financial ties with entities that have not been scrutinized.
- The Betting App Connection: In a startling claim, references were made to a “betting app.” While details remain murky, the implication is that individuals close to the center of power may have stakes or protective interests in illicit online betting platforms that have recently come under the scanner of enforcement agencies.
- Foreign Connections: Perhaps the most serious allegation involves “foreign connections.” The Congress has asked whether Joshi’s associations in the United States or other countries have compromised India’s national interest. The insinuation is that sensitive information or influence may have been traded or leveraged.
- The Law Commission Link: Khera pointed to a specific incident involving a close aide of Joshi. This aide was reportedly appointed to the Law Commission seven months ago but was recently removed “in haste,” and their government bungalow was vacated overnight. The Opposition is asking: What did this aide know? Why the sudden removal? Was it a cleanup act before a larger scandal broke?
Who Is Hiren Joshi? The Man Behind the Myth
To understand the gravity of these events, one must understand the man himself. Hiren Joshi is not a career bureaucrat or an IAS officer. His rise to the top echelon of Indian politics is a story of technical expertise meeting political ambition.
Originally an electronics engineer from Pune with a PhD from the Indian Institute of Information Technology & Management (IIITM), Gwalior, Joshi spent 18 years as a professor, teaching at the Manikya Lal Verma Textile and Engineering College in Bhilwara, Rajasthan. His entry into Narendra Modi’s inner circle was serendipitous.
The story goes that in 2008, during an event in Gujarat, a technical glitch occurred. Joshi, who was present, stepped in and fixed it swiftly. This impressed the then-Chief Minister Narendra Modi, who has always had a penchant for tech-savvy individuals. Joshi was soon recruited into the Gujarat Chief Minister’s Office (CMO).
He didn’t just manage the website; he revolutionized political communication. Joshi is credited with building the “NaMo” online brand from scratch. He was the architect behind Modi’s massive social media reach, the holographic 3D rallies of 2014, and the seamless digital integration that allowed Modi to bypass traditional media and speak directly to the voter.
When Modi became Prime Minister in 2014, Joshi moved with him to Delhi. Over the years, his power grew exponentially. He was appointed Officer on Special Duty (OSD) and later given the rank of Joint Secretary. In the hierarchy of influence, however, insiders say he ranks far above Cabinet Ministers.
The “Media Czar” Reputation: Controlling the Narrative
Hiren Joshi’s reputation in media circles is legendary and fearsome. He is often described as the “Super Editor” of India. Journalists and editors tell tales of receiving calls and messages at all hours, directing them on what to cover, what to drop, and which headlines to change.
Critics allege that Joshi’s role transformed from merely promoting the PM to actively suppressing dissent. He has been accused of maintaining a “blacklist” of journalists who are critical of the regime and ensuring they are denied access or faced with professional hurdles.
In 2022, former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal openly named Hiren Joshi, accusing him of threatening news channels to blackout Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) coverage in Gujarat. It was a rare instance of a serving politician naming a PMO official in public. The Congress’s recent statement that Joshi “played a key role in murdering democracy and throttling media” echoes these long-standing grievances.
If Joshi is indeed exiting, it marks the end of an era of centralized media control. It raises the question: Will the “iron grip” on the narrative loosen, or will a new enforcer take his place?
The “Clean-Up” Theory
Political analysts are buzzing with the theory that Joshi’s potential exit is part of a larger “clean-up” operation by the government. With the opposition gaining ground and raising issues of crony capitalism, the ruling dispensation might be looking to shed “dead weight” or individuals who have become liabilities.
If the allegations regarding business links and the betting app scandal have any substance, keeping Joshi in the PMO would be politically suicidal. By removing him (or accepting his resignation) before the scandal fully explodes, the government might be trying to firewall the Prime Minister from the controversy.
However, the “hasty removal” of his aide from the Law Commission suggests panic rather than a planned transition. It indicates that the government may have been caught off guard by the depth of the information the Opposition possesses.
What Happens Next?
The next few days are crucial. The silence from the government cannot last forever. If Hiren Joshi has indeed resigned or been sacked, a notification will eventually have to be issued.
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The Opposition is likely to turn up the heat. We can expect demands for a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) probe into the alleged business dealings of PMO officials. The focus will be on the money trail—if there is one—and whether any policy decisions were influenced by these private business interests.
For the media, the exit of their “handler” brings uncertainty. Many editors who relied on Joshi for access and direction may find themselves adrift. Conversely, independent media houses may see this as a vindication of their stance against executive overreach.
Conclusion: A Tectonic Shift in Delhi
The saga of Hiren Joshi is more than just the story of one bureaucrat. It is a glimpse into the opaque machinery that runs the world’s largest democracy. For 15 years, Joshi has been the invisible interface between the leader and the people. His potential fall from grace signals a tectonic shift in the power dynamics of New Delhi.
As investigations continue and political mudslinging intensifies, one thing is certain: the “Hiren Joshi model” of communication—absolute control, digital dominance, and aggressive narrative building—is facing its biggest test yet. Whether he survives this storm or becomes the first high-profile casualty of 2025 remains to be seen.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only. While we strive to ensure accuracy, details regarding political events, allegations, and official appointments are subject to change. This content is based on the latest available news reports and public statements. This content is not sponsored and represents the independent editorial view of the author.
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