Soviet leaders used Communist doctrine as a way to rule over their people because they believed in the principles of communism and saw it as a means to achieve a more equal and just society. Communist ideology advocates for the abolition of private property, the collective ownership of the means of production, and the establishment of a classless society in which everyone has access to the resources they need to thrive.
By embracing Communist doctrine, Soviet leaders were able to justify their rule as being in the interest of the people, and they used this ideology to build a political system that was highly centralized and authoritarian. The Communist Party of the Soviet Union was the only legal political party, and the party leadership had complete control over all aspects of the government and the economy.
However, it's important to note that while Soviet leaders used Communist ideology to legitimize their rule, their implementation of communism was often highly repressive and authoritarian. The Soviet government used propaganda, censorship, and violence to suppress dissent and maintain control over the population. Despite the Communist Party's stated commitment to equality and justice, the Soviet system was characterized by widespread corruption, inequality, and human rights abuses.