Shri A.C. Shanmugha Das, renowned Congress Leader, was born on 5th January 1939 as the son of Shri. Kunhiraman and Smt. A.V. Saradamma.

Starting political life while a student, he had actively participated in the students’ struggle for ‘Goa liberation’. As one having participated in various struggles , he had also to undergo imprisonment three times.

Shri. Shanmugha Das became elected to the Kerala Legislative Assembly for the first time in the fourth KLA from Balussery Constituency. He has been elected consecutively from the same constituency from 6th KLA to 11th KLA. Representing the Congress party in 4th and 6th KLA, he represented Congress (S) from 7th KLA to 10th KLA and has been representing NCP in the 11th KLA.

Shri Shanmugha Das handled the portfolio of Community Development, Public Health Engineering, Employment, Training and Sports from 25-1-1980 to 16-10-1981 in the ministry headed by Shri E.K. Nayanar. He was the Minister of Health in the Ministry headed by Shri. E.K. Nayanar from 02-04-1987 to 17-06-1991. Again he was the Minister for Health & Sports from 20-5-1996 to 19-01-2000, also in the cabinet headed by Shri. E.K. Nayanar.

He was the leader of Congress (S) Legislature Party from 1982-1999 and the leader of NCP Legislature party.

During his long political career, he had served at different times as State Secretary of K.S.U. and Youth Congress during 1966-69, DCC Secretary, Malappuram during 1969-70, and Kozhikode during 1971-73, President, DCC Kozhikode during 1973-78, KPCC Secretary during 1978-80 and Treasurer of AICC(S) during 1993-99. He is also an elected member of NCP working committee.

In addition, Shri Das had been the Chairman, Malabar Region KANFED, CKG Symposium Permanent Committee, Member, Kerala Grandhasala Sanghom Control Board and Kozhikode Regional Transport Authority.

Shri. Shanmugha Das has also served as the editor of 'Dharmachakra', 'Yuvatha' and 'Nireekskanam' weeklies.

His wife is Dr. K. Parukutty. and they have two daughters.