26.07.2026 13:38
The claim that "extras were brought from agencies by paying 950 TL" for the membership ceremony organized by the CHP Istanbul Provincial Directorate has exploded onto the political agenda. Reacting harshly to the allegations, Gürsel Tekin stated, "If I have an agreement with a company, I will hang myself," and announced that they would take the matter to court.
The allegations that extras were brought for a fee to the membership ceremony organized by the CHP Istanbul Provincial Directorate hit the agenda like a bombshell. Gürsel Tekin and the party administration firmly denied the allegations.
KILIÇDAROĞLU PINNED BADGES ON NEW MEMBERS
After the massive membership ceremony in Istanbul, which CHP Chairman Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu also attended, a striking allegation was put forward. It was claimed that part of the crowd at the ceremony was brought through casting agencies, paid 950 TL per person.
GÜRSEL TEKIN: IF I HAVE A DEAL WITH A COMPANY, I WILL HANG MYSELF
CHP Istanbul Provincial Director Gürsel Tekin, responding to the allegations, expressed his reaction with very harsh words. Tekin, who made statements both on a television program he attended and on his social media account, emphasized that the news was completely unfounded.
Stating that his party and he have long been targeted, Tekin said, "It is not possible for us to accept such a thing. The dirty media has been lying for 10 months. If I have a deal with a company, I will hang myself," describing the allegations as "utter lies."
Tekin also announced that he had instructed his lawyers and that they would file a criminal complaint with the duty public prosecutor's office against the media outlets that published the said news.
"HEAR IT DIRECTLY FROM US"
Continuing his reaction to the allegations, Gürsel Tekin made a new post on his social media account, inviting those concerned to a press conference. Tekin said, "I invite those who try to cast a shadow over our magnificent membership ceremony held today and create a perception through dirty media to the press conference we will hold at the Istanbul Provincial Directorate tomorrow at 12:00. Hear what we have to say not from hearsay, but directly from us."
CHP SPOKESPERSON SARI: MEDIA ETHICS AND HIRED GUNMANSHIP ARE INCOMPATIBLE
A statement on the controversy also came from CHP Spokesperson Müslim Sarı. Stating that the allegations aimed to tarnish the enthusiasm of the ceremony, Sarı expressed that describing the unemployed, retirees, and teachers who joined the party of their own free will as "paid extras" was an open attack on the dignity of citizens.
Sarı argued that an attempt was made to cast a shadow over the public's will under the guise of journalism and emphasized that they would fully exercise all their legal rights against this mentality.