Ali Mahir Başarır to Kılıçdaroğlu: "Call for a party congress tomorrow, and I will quit politics"

Başarır called out, "If you call for a party congress tomorrow, I will quit politics. That is a promise of honor, Mr. Kemal."

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CHP Group Deputy Chairman Ali Mahir Başarır has issued a historic challenge from his hometown of Mersin to Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu, who returned to the chairman's seat following a court ruling of "absolute nullity." Başarır called out, "If you call for a party congress tomorrow, I will quit politics. That is a promise of honor, Mr. Kemal."

The leadership crisis within the Republican People's Party (CHP) triggered by the court ruling continues to escalate with mutual ultimatums. During a meeting in the Tarsus district of Mersin, one of the party's heavyweights, CHP Group Deputy Chairman Ali Mahir Başarır, responded to Kılıçdaroğlu's remarks targeting him with a very harsh and clear call for a party congress.

"I AM 50 YEARS OLD, MR. KEMAL IS 80"

Addressing Kılıçdaroğlu's resentment toward him and allegations of internal party purges, Başarır pointed to the age gap between them and criticized the politics of holding onto seats:

"He says he won't forgive only me. Look, I am 50 years old. Mr. Kemal is 80. From here, from my hometown, from the lands where I was born and raised, I have a call. Since you cannot forgive me, since you do not want me... I am younger than you, 30 years younger. But I am leaving my seat."

"A PROMISE OF HONOR, MR. KEMAL, ALI MAHIR IS RETURNING TO TARSUS"

Declaring that he is putting his own political career on the table to pave the way for the party and restart the democratic race, Başarır gave Kılıçdaroğlu his "promise of honor" with the following words:

"If you call for a party congress tomorrow, I will quit politics. It is a promise of honor, Mr. Kemal, a promise of honor. I will go to my home, my children, my wife, and embrace them. Call for a party congress tomorrow, and Ali Mahir returns to his home in Tarsus, never to return."

This striking ultimatum raised by Başarır from his own hometown has caused eyes to turn once again toward the party congress calendar within the Kılıçdaroğlu camp, which is preparing to hold its first Party Assembly meeting on June 1 following the decision of the Ankara Regional Court of Justice.

News Source: 12punto