1971 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly election

1971 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly election

← 1967 1–7 March 1971 1977 →
All 234 seats in the Legislature of Tamil Nadu 118 seats needed for a majority
Turnout	72.10%
First party Second party   Leader M. Karunanidhi K. Kamaraj Party DMK INC(O) Leader's seat Saidapet did not contest Seats won 205 21 Seat change 61[1] 1[1] Popular vote 8,506,078 6,016,530 Percentage 53.99% 38.18% Swing 10.32% 32.88%
CM before election M. Karunanidhi DMK Elected CM M. Karunanidhi DMK

The fifth legislative assembly election of Tamil Nadu was held in March 1971. Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam was re-elected, after its first victory under the leadership of C N Annadurai in 1967. This was the first time M. Karunanidhi, contested as the leader of DMK party won the election, since he assumed Chief Ministership for the first time, after the death of C N Annadurai. Karunanidhi had emerged successfully in the leadership crisis (having supported by M. G. Ramachandran, against Nedunchezhiyan, which ensued after the death of C. N. Annadurai. The main opposition party in the election was Indian National Congress (Organisation) led by K. Kamaraj, whereas the Indian National Congress (Indira) faction aligned with Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam.

Karunanidhi did not face any Leadership crisis with M.G. Ramachandran. MGR and Vai.Balasundaram was instrumental and helped Karunanidhi to become Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu against all odds after the death of C N Annadurai.

DMK's 48.58% vote share and 184 seats remain the largest share of votes and seats ever won by a party in the history of Tamil Nadu.