Kılıçdaroğlu responds to Fatih Portakal's 'Burcu Köksal' claim!

The speech made by CHP Afyonkarahisar Mayoral candidate Burcu Köksal at the opening of her election coordination center the other day has dominated the political agenda.

While Köksal's words, "When I am elected, the doors of the municipality will be open to every party except the DEM Party," caused a controversy between the DEM Party and the CHP, reactions from within the party were not delayed.

ÖZEL CALLED IT A 'SLIP OF THE TONGUE', KÖKSAL DID NOT BACK DOWN

While CHP Chairman Özgür Özel referred to Köksal's words as a "slip of the tongue," Köksal stood by her remarks.

HARSH REACTION FROM İMAMOĞLU

Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IMM) Mayoral candidate Ekrem İmamoğlu expressed his reaction to Köksal with the words, "Either she will find herself another job or another party."

STRIKING CLAIM FROM FATİH PORTAKAL

Following this controversy that dominated the agenda, journalist Fatih Portakal made a striking claim on the main news bulletin he hosts on Sözcü TV.

Emphasizing that Köksal is close to Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu, Portakal shared old footage and said, "I cannot prove it, but I think she received the instruction from Kılıçdaroğlu."

KILIÇDAROĞLU'S RESPONSE WAS NOT DELAYED

Following the claim made by Fatih Portakal, Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu broke his silence.

Speaking to Murat Sabuncu from T24, Kılıçdaroğlu stated, "Fatih Portakal says that I gave the instruction for Burcu Köksal to make these remarks about the DEM Party, and that I did this through one of the names close to me. Look, I am making an open call: Whoever this person close to me is, or whoever was told to make such a statement, must be revealed. The person who told her to utter such a sentence is a base and characterless person. I neither gave such an instruction, nor do I have such a person close to me. Fatih Portakal is obliged to explain this. If he does not explain it, I will say that he is producing fake news."

Kılıçdaroğlu continued as follows;

"UNFORTUNATELY, DELIBERATE FAKE NEWS IS BEING MADE AGAINST ME"

"Let me say it clearly once again: It is a base slander that I instructed Burcu Köksal to speak this way. Everyone close to me knows this very well. I want the success of all CHP mayors; this is my greatest wish. Unfortunately, deliberate fake news is being made against me. I am unfortunately used to the deliberate fake news and slanders made against me, but what is more serious is that this time, it is not just me who is being damaged by this operation, but the Republican People's Party. I swallow my blood and drink cranberry sherbet when it comes to what is done to me and stay silent, but if there is the slightest harm to come to my party, no one can silence or intimidate me. No matter the result.."

WHAT DOES KILIÇDAROĞLU THINK ABOUT KÖKSAL'S SPEECH?

Kılıçdaroğlu evaluated Burcu Köksal's speech as follows;

"Is it possible for me to defend a view or statement regarding the exclusion of the DEM or any other party? Did I not fight against marginalization during my chairmanship? Do you remember the seven items sent to the entire organization titled 'Basic Principles in Local Governments' during my chairmanship? What was the first item of this? 'In the municipality you manage, do not marginalize your fellow citizens based on their beliefs, identities, or lifestyles. Embrace all citizens.' Would a person who has adopted this as a principle and made it the first item accept such marginalization?"

"IT IS CONTRARY TO MORALITY"

Fatih Portakal had also broadcast footage of Burcu Köksal at the CHP Congress and called her "one of the important members of the Kılıçdaroğlu team."

Kılıçdaroğlu spoke on this matter as well;

"During my chairmanship, four people were elected upon my suggestion. Group Chairman Özgür Özel and as Group Deputy Chairmen, Burcu Köksal, Ali Mahir Başarır, and Gökhan Günaydın. You do not mention the other three and only talk about Burcu Köksal. I have always supported journalists in freely reporting, commenting, and criticizing. But when lies, slander, and prejudice enter the mix, it is my duty to question this... Presenting fake news as true news for the benefit of some is contrary to both the journalistic principles I know and to morality."

News Source: 12punto