Sergei M. Kirov
Kirov, Sergei M. (1886–1934), a Russian political leader. During 1918–26. Kirov was active as a Communist party leader in the Caucasus region. He became the party leader of the Leningrad region in 1926 and a full member of the Politburo in 1930. At a Communist party congress in 1934, Kirov was critical of Stalin's rule and emerged as a possible rival to Stalin. Later that year Kirov was murdered. Although Stalin was probably responsible for Kirov's murder, he blamed others and used the murder as an excuse to eliminate his own enemies and potential enemies. The series of arrests and executions that followed became known as the Great Purges.