27.05.2026 14:10
The congress debates in the CHP, which began after the "absolute nullity" ruling, are escalating. Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu's statement, "If it were up to me, I would go to the congress tomorrow morning," has sparked a new controversy within the party. CHP Deputy Group Chairman Ali Mahir Başarır reacted harshly to Kılıçdaroğlu, saying, "Then whose hands are you talking about! To whose hands did you hand over the party? The AKP judiciary! This is a shameful confession."
The congress debates that began in CHP after the 'absolute nullity' decision have grown even larger with new statements. Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu, who has returned to the chairmanship, said, 'If it were up to me, I would go to the congress tomorrow morning,' drawing a harsh reaction from CHP Group Deputy Chairman Ali Mahir Başarır.
Greeting journalists in Ankara for the holiday, Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu delivered striking messages regarding the congress process. Stating that the authority to set the congress date is not entirely in his hands, Kılıçdaroğlu said, 'I am not a legal expert. If it were up to me, I would go to the congress tomorrow morning. We are consulting with legal experts about the process. We must, of course, comply with the court's decision.'
Kılıçdaroğlu also argued that the congress could only be held on a legal basis, stating, 'After the injunction is lifted, the congress will be held on a legal basis.'
ALI MAHIR BAŞARIR'S HARSH RESPONSE
The first harsh response to Kılıçdaroğlu's statements came from CHP Group Deputy Chairman Ali Mahir Başarır. In a post on his social media account, Başarır said, 'In whose hands, then! To whom have you handed over the party; to the AKP judiciary! This is a shameful confession.' Başarır's response reignited the congress debates within CHP, which have been ongoing over the judiciary.
EXPULSION AND IMMUNITY ALLEGATIONS ON THE AGENDA
In recent days, allegations had emerged in CHP circles that Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu would initiate disciplinary and expulsion processes against some members of parliament. Some reports claimed that Kılıçdaroğlu demanded the expulsion of Ali Mahir Başarır, Burhanettin Bulut, Veli Ağbaba, and Umut Akdoğan to proceed with the congress. Another allegation suggested that the immunities of some MPs, including Özgür Özel, could be lifted.
However, Kılıçdaroğlu dismissed these allegations as 'gossip' in his statement today. 'A lot of gossip, friends, don't believe them. Party management is conducted within the law and with seriousness,' said Kılıçdaroğlu, stating that expulsions cannot be done arbitrarily.
ÖZGÜR ÖZEL: NO OBSTACLE TO THE CONGRESS
CHP Chairman Özgür Özel, on the other hand, argues that there is no legal obstacle to the congress. Özel stated, 'An ordinary or extraordinary congress is a new constitutive act. The injunction is not an obstacle to the congress. There are 3-4 different ways to hold it within 45 days. As long as the intention is there.'
Özel also used strong language regarding the tension at CHP Headquarters, claiming that individuals appointed by Kılıçdaroğlu came to the party with 'mafia-like groups.'
TENSION WITHIN THE PARTY ESCALATES
The leadership crisis in CHP following the 'absolute nullity' decision has deepened further with the congress debates. Kılıçdaroğlu's statements pointing to the judicial process, contrasted with Özgür Özel and his team's assertion that 'there is no obstacle to the congress,' clearly reveal two different approaches within the party.
All eyes in CHP are now focused on both the judicial process and how and when the congress will be held.