Two CHP district chairs in Van resign, join NEW Party

Two district chairs from Turkey's main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) have announced their resignations, citing disillusionment with the party's direction and recent decisions. Aykut Parlak, the CHP district chair in Başkale, Van, stated that his decision stemmed from a "mutually null and void" ruling within the party, which he believes has led to a loss of hope among members who have long strived for justice and fairness based on Mustafa Kemal Atatürk's principles.

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I am resigning from the Van Başkale CHP District Chairmanship, where I have served for three terms. The reason for this resignation is the absolute null and void decision that has recently emerged in the Republican People's Party, where we have dedicated years to hard work, struggle, and politics for rights, law, and justice based on the principles of its founder Mustafa Kemal Atatürk.

Parlak declared that he, along with his administration and family, would be joining the NEW Party, recently established by CHP Chairman Özgür Özel. He asserted that they would not deviate from what they believe is right. Similarly, Celalettin Erarslan, the CHP district chair in Çatak, Van, announced a collective resignation of his executive board, members, and supporters. Erarslan concluded that the CHP no longer holds relevance in their district, prompting their move to the NEW Party to continue their political activities.

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We believe that with an unjust decision, all of us have lost hope. We are people who have dedicated ourselves to this path. We will never deviate from what we believe is right. We will continue with the NEW Party, founded by our Chairman Mr. Özgür Özel, with my administration and family.

Reports indicate that the entire executive board in Çatak and all but one member in Başkale have followed suit. The defections highlight internal dissent within the CHP and a strategic shift for these local party leaders who aim to pursue their political goals under a new banner.

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As a result of evaluations made with district administrators, members, and citizens, we have concluded that the CHP no longer has a following in the district. Therefore, as the district chairmanship and executive board, we have decided to resign collectively.