Elections to the second Orissa Legislative Assembly were held in 1957.
The elections were held for 140 seats of 101 constituencies. Out of 101 constituencies, 62 constituencies were single-membered while 39 constituencies were two-membered. In two-membered constituencies, one seat was open while other was reserved. Out of 39 two-member constituencies, 25 were reserved for Scheduled Caste and 14 were reserved for Scheduled Tribe. Also, 4 single-member constituencies were reserved for Scheduled Tribe. A total of 517 candidates contested for these 140 seats.
Three national parties, Communist Party of India, Congress and Praja Socialist Party along with the state party Ganatantra Parishad took part in the assembly election.
Harekrushna Mahatab led Congress party emerged as the single largest party by winning 40% of the seats. On 29 May 1957, Shri Mahtab formed a minority govt. with the assurance of support from Jharkhand Party, Communist Party of India, and several Independent MLAs. In May 1959, for the first time in the state, A Coalition govt was formed when opposition led by Ganatantra Parishad joined in to give stable administration to the state. However, This ministry fell in 1961 over disagreement regarding the coalition in Congress party. For the first time in the state, President's rule was imposed & early elections were called.