Pandey was the president of the Gangpur State Praja Mandal and a member the executive xommittee of the Orissa Regional Council, and was linked to the All India States' People's Conference during 1946-1947.[1][2] In 1948 he became a member of the Orissa State Assembly, as served as chief whip in the assembly.[1][2][3] However, he resigned from the assembly and founded the Union Movement.[2][3] From 1948 to 1950 Pandey served as president of the Eastern States People Convention.[1] During agitations of the Eastern States People Convention, he was arrested by agents of the government of Orissa.[2] Once released from jail he founded the Koshal Utkal Praja Parishad, which eventually evolved into the All India Ganatantra Parishad.[2] He became a member of the Working Committee of the party.[1]
In 1952 Pandey was elected to the first Lok Sabha from Sambalpur, obtaining 70,622 votes (54.97%).[4] Pandey was one of six AIGP members from Orissa in the first Lok Sabha.[4] As a parliamentarian, Pandey lobbied for abolition of Agricultural Income Tax.[2] He resigned his seat in the Lok Sabha in 1956.[5][6]
