He represented Udupi Lok Sabha constituency in 1977 as an Indian National Congress candidate.

[7][8] In 1977, Pai was one among the three ministers from the cabinet of Indira Gandhi who were examined by Shah Commission on emergency excesses.

[9] Pai gave testimony against Indira Gandhi saying the ministry was 'under siege' and he protested the decisions.

[10] The 1998 book by Australian journalist, Hamish McDonald titled The Polyester Prince made references about Pai and his relationship with Dhirubhai Ambani.

[11] The book that was banned in India accused that there was gross tax minimization done during Pai's tenure by Reliance Industries by using a company named MyNylon Ltd. a private limited company incorporated in 1973 by Pai family at Karnataka.