Former Soviet dictator Josef Stalin voted as third most popular Russian in the history in a nationwide poll conducted by a private Russian TV channel.

Alexander Nevsky, who defeated German and other European invaders in the 13th century has been voted as greatest Russian with around 5.24 lakh votes.

Pyotr Stolypin, an assassinated Prime Minister who ruled the country in the beginning of the 20th century came second. Joseph Stalin was in the third position, just 5500 votes away from the first position.

Around 5 crore people participated in the big contest and voted via phone, sms and internet.

Joseph Stalin, who ruled the U.S.S.R. from 1929 to 1953 as a dictator is blamed for killing of lakhs of his own people. It was a big surprise to all historians as Stalin managed to reach the number 3 position despite this.

They believe that still Russians are supporting him mainly because of his triumphs in the Second World War and his industrial reforms which made USSR a global power in the 20th century.

May be Russian people are expecting a great leader like him in the 21st century too to make Russia a super power again.