Dr.Ashwani Kumar held key ministerial portfolios in the UPA government, including Ministry of Law and Justice; Parliamentary Affairs; Science and Technology and Ministry of Planning. In 1991, at the age of 37 he was appointed one of the youngest Additional Solicitor General of India. He represents the Indian National Congress party from Punjab in the Rajya Sabha and has served as its National Spokesperson and Chairman for Vichar Vibhag. Dr Kumar has argued important cases before the Supreme Court including the Bhopal Gas Tragedy case and has also represented major corporations in international arbitrations. He was also nominated as member of the Standing Committee of Parliament on Defence in August 2013.