Shri Gupta began his public life as Acharya of Saraswati Shishi Mandir. Later, he established Standard Public School. Shri Gupta got associated with Rashtriya Swayam Sewak Sangh atearly age. He was Bharatiya Janata Party’s Organising Secretary (Bhopal). He was also National Coordinator of Bharatiya Janata Party’s Urban Development Cell. Shri Gupta became Chairman of M.P. Civil Supplies Corporation in 1991. During his tenure, he gave significant contribution in Annadoot Yojana and Home Delivery Service etc.

Shri Gupta was Bhopal Mayor from 1995 to 1999. He contributed significantly in Bhopal’s development. He ensured cleanliness constantly in every ward and near religious places, made adequate arrangements for drinking water and simplified functioning of Municipal Corporation. He made effective efforts to bring Narmada water to Bhopal. Shri Gupta became President of All-India Mayors’ Council, New Delhi in 1998. He was always recognised as an active worker.

Shri Umashankar Gupta was elected to Vidhan Sabha for the first time from Bhopal South constituency in 2003. He was Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Transport, Higher Education and Gas Tragedy in Shri Babulal Gaur’s Council of Ministers from August 2004 to November 2005. He was re-elected MLA in 2008.

Shri Gupta has toured Canada, Germany, Sri Lanka and Nepal.

Shri Gupta was inducted as Cabinet Minister in Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan’s Council of Ministers on October 28, 2009. He was Minister for Home Department.

Shri Gupta was elected to Vidhan Sabha from Bhopal South-West constituency in December 2013. He took oath as Cabinet Minister on December 21, 2013. Now he is Minister for Higher Education, Technical Education and Skill Development.