[1][2][3][4][5] He has run as an independent MLA in Tehri (2012-2017) and served as a minister in the last Congress government in Uttarakhand.
[citation needed] Dhanai joined the Indian National Congress in 1986 at Garhwal University (SRTC).
During his chairmanship, he contested legislative assembly elections in 2007 as an independent candidate and came in third place.
His attempt to enter the legislative assembly was successful, with a close margin from the INC and BJP.
He served as chairman of Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam as MoS for two years.