Hiren Joshi, a pivotal Officer on Special Duty (OSD) in the Prime Minister's Office (PMO), has shaped Prime Minister Narendra Modi's digital footprint since 2008. Known as the "eyes and ears" of the PM, Joshi oversees communications, IT, research, and strategy, wielding significant influence over India's media landscape and government outreach. His career trajectory from academia to the corridors of power highlights a blend of technical expertise and political loyalty.pmindia+3
Early Life and Education
Hailing from Banswara in Rajasthan, Hiren Joshi pursued electronics engineering in Pune before earning a PhD from the Indian Institute of Information Technology & Management (IIITM), Gwalior. He built a robust academic career as an assistant professor at Manikya Lal Verma Textile and Engineering College in Bhilwara, Rajasthan, amassing over 18 years of teaching experience in electronics and communication engineering. This foundation in technology positioned him uniquely for the digital demands of modern politics.government.economictimes.indiatimes+2
Entry into Politics: The Gujarat Chapter (2008-2014)
Joshi's political ascent began in 2008 during Narendra Modi's tenure as Gujarat Chief Minister. At a government event for engineers, Joshi swiftly resolved a technical glitch, impressing Modi and earning a hand-picked role as OSD for digital presence. He revolutionized Modi's online strategy, developing multilingual websites, blogs, and social media handles that amplified the CM's voice across platforms. Joshi's innovations included pioneering tweets in regional languages, establishing Modi as India's first tech-savvy leader ahead of the 2014 national elections.economictimes+3
Under Joshi's guidance, Modi's Gujarat campaigns leveraged data-driven digital tools, marking India's inaugural "data-led" election effort. He managed real-time updates, such as launching the CMO's online presence instantaneously, showcasing his crisis-handling prowess. By 2014, Joshi had transitioned seamlessly to Delhi as Modi became Prime Minister, updating PMO websites and social accounts within minutes of the swearing-in ceremony.khabargaon+3
Rise in the PMO: OSD and Power Broker (2014-Present)
Upon Modi's 2014 victory, Joshi joined the PMO, initially focusing on communications and social media. In June 2019, he was formally appointed OSD (Communications & IT) at Level-14 (Joint Secretary rank) on a co-terminus basis, with a basic monthly salary of ₹1,77,400 as per official records. The PMO lists him under OSD (Research & Strategy) with contact 23014208, underscoring his expanded portfolio.newslaundry+3
Joshi's influence extended to curating Modi's global digital engagements, like Japanese tweets during international visits. He delivered nightly online world reports to the PM, controlling narratives across channels, newspapers, and headlines. Described as the PMO's most powerful figure, Joshi orchestrated media ecosystems, ensuring favorable coverage and rapid information dissemination.youtube+1x+2
Key Achievements and Career Milestones
Pioneered Modi's social media dominance, growing followers exponentially from Gujarat to national levels.newslaundry
Led PMO's IT overhaul, including multilingual content and real-time crisis responses.government.economictimes.indiatimes
Elevated to JS-equivalent in 2019, managing a team that shapes government strategy and public perception.pmindia+1
Instrumental in 2014 oath ceremony digital launch and subsequent high-stakes events.economictimes
His technical acumen transformed political communication in India, blending engineering precision with strategic messaging.newindianexpress
Controversies and Allegations
Joshi's tenure has drawn sharp criticism, particularly from opposition parties. In September 2022, Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal accused him of pressuring media editors via abusive messages to suppress Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) coverage during Gujarat elections. BJP dismissed these as baseless, with no formal inquiry reported.x+1
Subramanian Swamy alleged Joshi threatened media outlets, amplifying claims of press intimidation. In December 2025, Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera labeled Joshi the "most powerful man in PMO," accusing him of "murdering democracy" and "throttling media," while questioning business interests, foreign links (including US visits), and ties to a Dubai-based betting app owner Ravi Tiharwala. Khera demanded transparency on Joshi's partners, overseas meetings, and national security risks.facebook+3youtube
Recent rumors of Joshi's exit from PMO surfaced in early December 2025, with internal memos reportedly reassigning his duties to officers like Ashwini Vaishnav and Neerav, amid a Prasar Bharati chairman resignation. Social media buzz linked this to a "clean-up" over betting app stakes and Law Commission influences via alleged associate Hitesh Jain. PMO has not confirmed any departure, and allegations remain unproven.thenewsminute+2youtube
Recent News and Developments (2025)
As of October 2025, Joshi remained listed on the PMO website, but December reports intensified scrutiny. Congress escalated attacks post-Hitesh Jain's abrupt Law Commission exit in October 2025, tying it to Joshi's network. Media outlets speculated on a PMO reshuffle, with Joshi's low-profile style fueling "disappearance" narratives. No official statements address the claims, maintaining his status as a shadowy influencer.youtube+1newsdrum+3
Top Interesting Facts
Hand-picked by Modi in 2008 after fixing a live event glitch, launching a 17-year partnership.x+1
Engineered PMO website launch seconds after Modi's 2014 oath, a technical feat under pressure.khabargaon+1
PhD holder who taught for 18+ years before politics, blending academia with high-stakes strategy.government.economictimes.indiatimes
Known for 11:30 PM digital briefings to PM, controlling daily media narratives.facebook+1
Multilingual tweet pioneer, expanding Modi's reach to non-Hindi audiences early on.government.economictimes.indiatimes
FAQs About Hiren Joshi PMO
Who is Hiren Joshi in the PMO?
Hiren Joshi serves as OSD handling communications, IT, research, and strategy, a role since 2019 at JS level.pmindia+1
What is Hiren Joshi's educational background?
Electronics engineering from Pune, PhD from IIITM Gwalior, and former Bhilwara professor.newslaundry+1
How did Hiren Joshi join Narendra Modi's team?
Recruited in 2008 as Gujarat CMO OSD after resolving a tech issue at an event.hindi.newslaundry+1
What are the main controversies involving Hiren Joshi?
Accusations of media pressure (2022 Kejriwal claims), business ties, foreign links, and 2025 betting app allegations by Congress.theprint+2
Has Hiren Joshi left the PMO?
Rumors of exit in December 2025 circulate, with duty reassignments noted, but no official confirmation.youtubethenewsminute
What is Hiren Joshi's salary in PMO?
Basic pay of ₹1,77,400 monthly at Level-14.khabargaon
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