Perinçek calls for CHP to distance itself from HDP

Although Republican People's Party (CHP) Chairman Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu denied allegations about an alliance with the Patriotic Party (VP), VP Chairman Doğu Perinçek implied it is still likely, saying the alliance is needed for the CHP to draw a clear line between itself and the pro-Kurdish Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP).

Speaking to the Hürriyet daily on Monday, Perinçek claimed there is an HDP "shadow" over the CHP, and said: "In the upcoming elections, the first accusation that will be directed at the CHP will be this: ‘You have helped the HDP enter Parliament and Turkey has been pushed into a bloody process; you are responsible for this.' The VP being together with the CHP is a very significant factor that removes all these negativities."

He continued: "Kılıçdaroğlu said, ‘All political parties should draw a clear line with the terrorist organization.' This is a revolution for the CHP. It uses the terrorist organization concept [and] addresses the HDP by saying it should draw a clear line. The CHP can also show this clear line by being hand-in-hand with the VP."

He also indicated that two representatives were designated from both parties to conduct talks following a meeting he had with Kılıçdaroğlu on Saturday, Sept. 7.Speaking to the press after his meeting with Perinçek, Kılıçdaroğlu denied the allegations about an electoral alliance, but he confirmed Perinçek made a proposal. "An electoral alliance is not a matter of discussion; we had a fruitful conversation with Mr. Perinçek. He offered us their proposal and their offer is still in the evaluation process," Kılıçdaroğlu said, declining to comment further about the details of Perinçek's offer.