A massive political storm is swirling around the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) as allegations involving a controversial betting app, senior bureaucrat Navneet Sehgal, influential digital strategist Hiren Joshi, and rising social media figure Himani Sood take centre stage. The power corridors of Delhi are buzzing with leaked chats, mysterious money trails, and whispers of political lobbying—raising unsettling questions about what is really unfolding in Modi’s inner circle.
Just months before crucial state elections, the unfolding developments are being described as one of the most explosive internal crises the PMO has faced in years. Is the scandal a genuine breach of integrity? Or is this a deeper political play to realign power within the establishment? The truth, for now, sits somewhere between uncertainty and intrigue.
A Scandal That Has Thrown PMO Into Disarray
The controversy began with claims that a popular betting app—already under intense scrutiny for money laundering and offshore links—had proximity to individuals reportedly connected to the PMO ecosystem. This is where the names of Hiren Joshi, Himani Sood, and Navneet Sehgal have dramatically emerged.
Insiders suggest this is not just a story of an app—but a saga of influence, access, information control, and possible misuse of power.
With leaked messages circulating online, political observers believe this scandal may have repercussions far beyond media headlines. Some analysts argue that the controversy reflects a turf war within the ruling establishment, especially among those managing digital operations, bureaucratic channels, and political perception.
Hiren Joshi: Modi’s Long-Time Digital Strategist Under Spotlight
For nearly a decade, Hiren Joshi was known as the shadow architect of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s digital presence. A figure with significant behind-the-scenes influence, he controlled communication pipelines, social media ecosystems, and sensitive digital assets.
However, his abrupt removal from the PMO earlier this year had already raised eyebrows. Many wondered:
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Why was such a powerful advisor suddenly sidelined?
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Was it a routine restructuring or the beginning of deeper troubles?
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Did internal disagreements push him out?
Now, with fresh allegations linking him loosely to the betting app ecosystem via reported intermediaries or acquaintances, the speculation has intensified. While no direct wrongdoing has been proven, the association alone has amplified the political noise.
For a man who once shaped the digital narrative of the world’s largest democracy, the fall from influence has been dramatic.
Himani Sood: The Rising Influencer Caught in the Crossfire
The presence of Himani Sood, a well-known digital influencer with political proximity, in leaked screenshots has added another layer of complexity to the controversy.
Her alleged communication with individuals associated with the app has triggered debates about:
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The growing influence of social media celebrities in political decision-making
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Potential conflict of interest between digital promotion and governance
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Whether certain influencers enjoy undue access to policymakers
Many observers believe Himani Sood is being targeted because she is a visible, public-facing figure—making her an easy scapegoat in a much larger power struggle. Others argue that her rapid rise and political access require scrutiny.
For now, she has neither confirmed nor denied any alleged association, maintaining silence as the controversy escalates.
Navneet Sehgal: The IAS Officer Facing Uncomfortable Questions
Veteran IAS officer Navneet Sehgal, one of Uttar Pradesh’s most influential bureaucrats, also finds his name being floated in connection with the app’s alleged lobbying network.
Again, no verified evidence has been presented so far, but the speculation stems from:
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His key administrative postings
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His long political connections in UP
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His perceived influence over major digital and economic projects
What is striking is the timing: with Uttar Pradesh gearing up for a politically charged election atmosphere, Sehgal’s name entering the narrative fuels the belief that internal realignments are underway.
Some insiders claim that factions within the bureaucracy are weaponising leaks to weaken one another. Others see it as an attempt to shift blame toward the administrative machinery to protect more powerful political players.
Leaked Chats & Money Trail: What We Know So Far
Although many documents circulating online remain unverified, the key themes emerging from them include:
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Mentions of revenue from the controversial betting app
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Possible communication between app handlers and individuals linked to political circles
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Alleged requests for access or influence
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Cash flow patterns suggesting offshore involvement
Experts caution against taking every leak at face value. In India’s politically charged environment, fabricated screenshots and manipulated narratives are not uncommon. Yet the volume and specificity of some of these leaks cannot be ignored either.
This is why the story is resonating across political, administrative, and media ecosystems.
Is This a Power Struggle Inside the PMO?
Many political analysts see the controversy not as a simple corruption scandal, but as a battle of influence within Modi’s tightly controlled inner circle.
Key questions that remain unanswered:
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Was someone trying to weaken Hiren Joshi’s lingering influence even after his exit?
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Is the bureaucracy split over upcoming policy changes or political strategies?
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Are tech entrepreneurs, influencers, and political strategists becoming too interconnected?
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Is the PMO losing its strict hierarchical discipline?
The Modi government is known for centralised control and internal secrecy. When such a system sees public leaks, it often signals internal cracks rather than external attacks.
Will PM Modi Act — or Is This Being Silenced?
The biggest question now is: What will the Prime Minister do?
Historically, Modi has acted swiftly when scandals threatened his government’s image—sometimes removing officials overnight. But this time, the silence is conspicuous.
Possible reasons include:
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The allegations are not yet backed by legal proof
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Acting too soon might signal internal instability
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Senior people involved make the issue extremely delicate
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Elections are near, and controversy management is prioritised over confrontation
However, delayed action may also fuel allegations of a cover-up or internal hush-up.
For a government that has built its identity on decisive leadership, this moment represents a significant credibility test.
The Road Ahead: A Story Still Unfolding
As the investigation—formal or informal—continues, more leaks are expected to surface. The political machinery, meanwhile, is in full damage-control mode. Newsrooms are receiving tip-offs, social media narratives are shifting rapidly, and rival factions within the establishment appear to be manoeuvring aggressively.
Whether this turns into a full-blown scandal or quietly fades away will depend largely on:
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The authenticity of upcoming evidence
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The PMO’s official stance
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The pace of political events leading to elections
One thing is clear: this controversy has shaken public confidence in the stability of Modi’s inner circle like never before.
Conclusion
The alleged links between a betting app and powerful figures such as Hiren Joshi, Navneet Sehgal, and Himani Sood have ignited a firestorm inside the PMO. Whether this is a genuine breach of ethics or a politically engineered narrative, the coming weeks will determine the future of several high-profile individuals—and possibly the government’s public credibility.
The nation watches closely. And so does the world.
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