Reaction from Bahçeli's team to Özel's 'I am raising the stakes' remarks

Following MHP Chairman Devlet Bahçeli's call for terrorist organization PKK leader Abdullah Öcalan to "come and speak in Parliament," CHP leader Özgür Özel said, "I am raising the stakes, Mr. Devlet; I am also offering the Kurds a state."

In the continuation of his speech, Özel stated, "I am offering all Kurds who do not feel they fully belong to be the owners of the Republic of Turkey."

Özel's remarks drew numerous criticisms from both within and outside his party. One criticism came from Bahçeli's close working team, to whom Özel's speech was addressed.

As reported by Gazete Duvar, a party official said, "Mr. Özgür says, 'I am also raising the stakes.' Politics is not a children's game. Is this poker? Are we playing a game? This call is an important call for unity and solidarity."