He was active in the All India Students Federation (AISF) since his school days and later became unit secretary of AISF in University College. During his college days, G.R. Anil was elected as Union General Secretary, University College of Kerala marking his entry to the electoral politics. He served as the Communist Party of India (CPI) Thiruvananthapuram district assistant secretary till 2014 and later held the office of CPI Thiruvananthapuram district secretary till 2021. He has been a member of CPI State Council for the last 12 years.

From 2000 to 2010 he served as an elected representative from Nemom ward of Thiruvananthapuram Cooperation. During this highly appreciated tenure as a ward councilor, he served as Chairman of Health and Education Standing Committee from 2005 to 2010 in which many an exemplary activity such as the launch of the project for clean-up drive of Thiruvananthapuram City immediately on conclusion of world-famous Attukal Pongala, Unarvu Scheme for providing free break-fast to school students covering around 25000 children in the state capital, establishment of electric crematorium (Shantikavadam) etc. were being launched under his able leadership, bestowing high accolades to the local body from all over India.

The CPI leader previously held several positions such as district and state office-bearer of several organizations such as Director Board member of Oushadi, Working committee member AITUC State council, Director of Kerala State Handloom Weavers Cooperative Society LTD (Hantex), President of various workers' unions such as Government Press Workers union, SIDCO Employees Association, K V Surendranath Trust, Headload Workers Union, Toddy Tappers Union, Supplyco Employees Association, Municipal Workers Union.

G.R. Anil contested the Assembly polls for the first time in 2021 and won from Nedumangad constituency by a margin of 23309 votes. He is currently serving as minister of Food and Civil Supplies, Consumer Affairs, Legal Metrology in Pinarayi Vijayan Government from 20th May 2021 onwards.