The fifth legislative assembly election of Tamil Nadu was held in March 1971, resulting in a re-election victory for the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), which had first won under the leadership of C. N. Annadurai in 1967.

This election marked the first victory for M. Karunanidhi as DMK leader, who assumed office as Chief Minister after Annadurai’s death.

This remains the only instance where a DMK-led government in Tamil Nadu retained power, as all subsequent DMK administrations have been succeeded by AIADMK-led coalitions.

The ruling Congress party decided to dissolve the Lok Sabha and conduct early elections to use the popularity from Bangladesh War victory.

Then Chief minister of Tamil nadu M. Karunanidhi also decided to dissolve the state assembly and face the elections in alliance with Indira's Congress one year before the end of his term.