#Review: PMO: Prime Minister’s Office Through the Years by Himanshu Roy

PMO: Prime Minister’s Office Through the Years offers a compelling and richly detailed account of one of India’s most pivotal institutions. Tracing the evolution of the PMO from the early days of independence to its present-day form, the book provides an in-depth look into how this once modest office transformed into a central hub of power and policy-making.

What makes this work stand out is its balance of scholarly rigour and accessible prose. Through meticulous research, the author unpacks the PMO’s complex bureaucracy, inner workings, and organizational structure—often cloaked in opacity. The book doesn’t shy away from revealing lesser-known facts, offering readers fresh insights into how this institution functions behind the scenes.

A major strength lies in the chronological exploration of each Prime Minister’s influence on the PMO. From Nehru’s foundational vision to Modi’s centralized style of governance, the narrative showcases how leadership styles, political ideologies, and national challenges shaped—and were shaped by—the PMO. These personalized accounts give the historical analysis a human dimension, illustrating how the office has adapted to the times while retaining its core strategic importance.

For students of political science, public administration, or modern Indian history, this book is an essential resource. Yet it remains engaging and informative enough for general readers curious about the mechanics of power in Indian governance.

In sum, this book is a definitive study of the PMO, illuminating its rise as a powerhouse in India’s administrative landscape. It’s a timely and important contribution to understanding not just the office itself, but also the broader dynamics of leadership and statecraft in India.

Find this book here.