Did Stalin adhere to the princeples of communism?

Stalin's adherence to the principles of communism is a subject of significant debate among historians. While he claimed to be implementing Marxist-Leninist ideals, his policies often diverged from traditional communist theory, particularly through the establishment of a totalitarian state, the use of state capitalism, and a focus on rapid industrialization and collectivization. These actions led to widespread repression and the prioritization of state control over the empowerment of the proletariat, which many argue contradicts core communist principles. Thus, while he operated under a communist banner, his practices were often seen as antithetical to the original goals of communism.