Chirag Paswan, Union Minister for Food Processing Industries, has been ranked 41st in The Indian Express IE100 – 2026 list of India’s most influential personalities, marking a notable rise from 59th position in 2025. The jump reflects his growing political relevance, both at the national level and in his state of Bihar, as he continues to strengthen his position as a prominent next-generation leader.
Leading the Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), Paswan has been steadily building a distinct political identity, particularly among younger voters. His increasing visibility and policy engagement have contributed to his rising influence across governance and industry-linked sectors.
The party’s momentum has also been evident electorally. Following its comeback in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) delivered another strong performance in the Bihar Assembly polls, playing a key role in the NDA’s sweep by winning 19 of the 28 seats it contested. This performance has further cemented Paswan’s position as a significant political force in the state.
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Paswan was also recently present as the Chief Guest at the Convergence India Expo 2026, India’s longest-running and biggest technology expo, where he delivered a special address focused on transforming the food processing sector. During his keynote, he called for a technological revolution in food processing, emphasising the need to shift from volume-driven production to a model centred on value, quality, and global competitiveness.
Highlighting the importance of integrating advanced technologies into agriculture, Paswan underscored the role of startups and young innovators in shaping the sector’s future. He encouraged industry stakeholders to actively contribute insights that can help design more responsive and effective government policies.
Aligning his vision with the broader goal of Viksit Bharat 2047, he noted that technology, innovation, and improved global market access will be critical in building a robust and competitive food processing ecosystem in India.
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Speaking about the importance of such platforms, Paswan remarked that forums like Convergence India Expo enable meaningful exchange of ideas, best practices, and real-world solutions. He pointed out that these interactions are crucial for translating innovation into practical, localised implementations, especially in agritech and food processing.
His presence at the expo, coupled with his rising rank in the IE100 list, highlights his expanding influence at the intersection of policy, technology, and industry.
