1971 Odisha Legislative Assembly election

The 1971 Odisha Legislative Assembly election, held in March 1971, was a pivotal political event in the Indian state of Odisha. This election marked the fifth assembly election since the state's formation in 1948 and was conducted to elect members to the 147 constituencies of the Odisha Legislative Assembly. The Indian National Congress, under the leadership of Chief Minister Janaki Ballabh Patnaik, sought to maintain its dominance in the state against a backdrop of socio-economic challenges and regional issues. The election was characterized by significant political mobilization, with various parties vying for influence in a landscape shaped by both nationalism and local aspirations. Following a competitive campaign, the Congress emerged victorious, securing a majority and solidifying its governance in Odisha for the following term.