Shri. A.P. Anil Kumar, the upcoming, young leader of Congress, was born at Malappuram on 15th March, 1965 as the son of Shri. A.P. Balan and Smt. K.L. Devaki.

He entered politics through K.S.U. and was its Malappuram District Secretary, in 1984. He had served also as the District Vice-President and State General Secretary of Kerala Youth Congress. Shri. Anil Kumar became elected to the 11th KLA from Wandoor constituency as an Indian National Congress Member.

In the present Ministry headed by Shri. Oommen Chandy, he is serving as a Minister since 5.9.2004 holding the portfolios of Welfare of Backward and Scheduled Communities, Youth Affairs, Cultural Affairs, Museum and Zoo, Archives and Archaeology.

Smt. P. Praseeja is his wife and they have two sons.