CHP chief pursues 'subtle' strategy to justify his authority

Kemal Kiliçdaroglu, the leader of Republican People's Party, or CHP, is gearing up to deal a death blow to his rival Muharrem Ince in the party's upcoming extraordinary congress, according to party sources.

Kiliçdaroglu is nowadays pursuing a delicate strategy in order to preserve his influence on the party. The incumbent leader said that he would help his rival to obtain sufficient signatures, needed to turn in his petition for the race, should he fails to get enough signatures, needed for his nomination.

'Relying on the party's organisation to support him, Kiliçdaroglu has actually aimed to justify his authority on the party through an landslide victory in the congress,' said a party source, speaking on condsition of anonymity. 'He wants to give a convincing reply to all, who accused him of being a dictator in the congress.'

Rivals battle for supremacy

Ince has launched a shuttle diplomacy among the party's heavy weights after the party faced a crushing defeat in the Aug. 10 presidential elections. However, sources close to the party chief believe Ince does not have sufficient influence over the party although election defeat has led to unrest in the party.

As the congress is drawing closer, Ince has apparently failed to get the support he needed to topple the incumbent despite his negotiations he has pursued through Emine Ülker Tarhan, the hard-core secularist in CHP.

Kiliçdaroglu seems to be closer to ensure his seat as the ultra-nationalist dissidents have failed to wield support to topple his throne. On Aug 19, 78 provincial chairs of the party announced that they would officially endorse him in the congress, scheduled for September 5-6. Ince is looking disappointed with receiving less support then he had previously hoped to get. Merely three provinces; Isparta, Düzce and Yalova, has showed support for him.

Ex-leader makes U-turn ahead of congress

Meanwhile, CHP's ex-leader Deniz Baykal has made a swift U-turn announcing his support for the hawkish Ince despite his remarks which expressed his neutrality. But, many of the party members believe Baykal has stepped on a minefield because his support means only a political gamble.

'The hard-core wing will most probably support Ince but the chief's aides believe he will face a heavy defeat. So, any defeat in the congress will impact on Baykal's force and influence in the party,' said another party source, who wanted not to be named.

It is unclear why Baykal has changed his decision or what made him motivated for taking such a risky decision which may put a stain on his carrier. But, he was reportedly holding secret meetings with CHP members to see if he has still a chance to return to his post which he was forced to leave after the release of grainy video footage purporting to show him having an affair with one of his MPs.

Baykal apparntly believes a new decision-making body which will suits CHP's actual identity properly and punishes all who have violated the principles and values of the party. This is what he has submitted through his aides,' said the source

Baykal has previously said that he would remain neutral because he did not see any strong rival who can compete against Kiliçdaroglu.