Kılıçdaroğlu's Istanbul program had been canceled: The real reason for the cancellation has emerged

The details of the first meeting in Istanbul for Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu, who assumed the role of Chairman following the court decision regarding the 38th Ordinary Congress of the CHP, had been announced. Gürsel Tekin, who was brought in as the trustee to the CHP İstanbul Provincial Presidency, had announced that he was organizing a large-scale convoy welcome for Kılıçdaroğlu at the Dudullu Çamlıca Toll Booths on Thursday, June 25, at 08:00. Tekin had issued a call stating, "Turkey's calm power, the unifying leader Mr. Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu is coming to Istanbul! Take your place in the great meeting that will take place."

However, on Thursday morning, a message was sent to participants by Gürsel Tekin stating, "My dear fellow travelers, our chairman's program planned for today has been canceled. We submit this for your information and thank you for your understanding," and it was reported that the organization had been canceled.

This visit planned for Kılıçdaroğlu was expected to be his first Istanbul program following the 'absolute nullity' decision. However, the program was canceled at the last minute. Behind the scenes of the development, it was alleged that Kılıçdaroğlu was unaware of the large welcoming convoy and felt uncomfortable about it.

Kılıçdaroğlu shared the reason for the cancellation decision in a statement he made on the social media platform X with the following words:

"I have never considered it right to make any belief a material for politics and propaganda at any period of my life. We will not allow the month of Muharram and the day of Ashura, which are among the most exceptional times of the Islamic faith, to be the subject of political polemics, tensions, fights, propaganda calculations, and exploitation; at the very least, we will not be a part of this shame and this burden."

Stating that it would not be appropriate to be seen in such an event during the month of Muharram, Kılıçdaroğlu said, "Because at some times, the most correct stance is not to be seen in crowds; it is not to be a partner in making faith a material for politics."

Behind-the-scenes reports suggested that the program was poorly organized from start to finish.

Nagehan Alçı reported the events as follows:

"Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu's program was very poorly planned from start to finish. It was very poorly organized. Let me tell you something funny, you won't believe it. Gürsel Tekin sent a message at 8 in the morning and issued an invitation. Kılıçdaroğlu had no idea that Gürsel Tekin was going to hold a welcome convoy at the toll booths. Kılıçdaroğlu was very annoyed when he heard this. What is the need, what is the need for such honking while going to a day of mourning. Frankly, I found it very strange too. Gürsel Tekin shouldn't be offended or hurt, but he acted on his own accord or was more royalist than the king."