No Khrushchevism

After the death of Joseph Stalin in 1953, after a short power struggle, Nikita Khrushchev emerged victorious and led Sovirt Union through period of liberalization of economy. This "givining in to capitalism" wasn't appreciated by many orthodox Marxist-Leninists, notably the so called "Anti-Party Group". This timeline explores the possibility of Khrushchev being ousted and power being held by radical communists.

Point of Divergence (1953-1956)
Stalin dies from stroke on March 5. His position as First Secretary of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union is taken over by Malenkov. On March 14 this position was assumed by Nikita Khrushchev. Malenkov saw in Khrushchev his rival (in OTL he sided with Khrushchev) and together with Lazar Kaganovich, Lavrentiy Beria and Vyacheslav Molotov. Molotov became First Secretary of CPSU. In a political struggle, Molotov expelled Malenkov and Beria and assumed power in duumvirate together with Kaganovich. In 1953-1954 they consolidated their power and begun a purge of "revisionist deviation". The purge affected only the party. About 500 000 people have been ousted from the party. 100 000 of them were executed, 180 000 arrested and put in prison or labour camps. The purge lasted until 1956.