1972 West Bengal Legislative Assembly election

The 1972 West Bengal Legislative Assembly election was held in West Bengal, India, on March 5, 1972. This election marked a significant political shift in the state, as the Indian National Congress, led by Siddhartha Shankar Ray, emerged victorious, securing 153 out of 294 seats in the assembly. The election followed a period of political instability and was the first assembly election after the Emergency imposed by the central government from 1975 to 1977. Despite opposition from the Communist Party of India (Marxist) and other regional parties, the Congress Party's campaign focused on development and stability, resonating with the electorate. The election results solidified Ray's leadership and initiated a new phase in West Bengal's political landscape, influencing subsequent governance and socio-economic policies.