A ranking member of the Peruvian Aprista Party, he served in a variety of technical positions in the second presidency of Alan García, most notably as Director of the National Fund for Social Development Cooperation, from 2008 to 2011.

Although he was not ratified in the position in 1999 national convention, he continued to rank in the party as a member of the Executive Committee led by Secretary General, Agustín Mantilla.

[1] In Alan García's second administration, Arana was appointed Head of the "Water for All" National Program, serving in the position from February 2007 to June 2007.

It was revealed that Arana had been appointed Deputy Minister of Construction and Sanitation, lasting in office two days after as it was discovered that he had an administrative process in the Higher Council for State Contracting and Acquisitions (Consucode), because the company Corporación Constructiva SA, legally represented by Arana, presented false documentation to renew the registration as Executor of Works, and thus continue participating in tenders called by the State.

After more than two years in office, he resigned in order to run for Congress with the Peruvian Aprista Party in the Lima constituency at the 2011 general election.

[6] Before his failed congressional bid, he was considered as a potential party nominee for Mayor of Lima at the 2010 general election, but the metropolitan convention ultimately selected Carlos Roca Cáceres.