Following his dramatic return to the helm of the Republican People's Party (CHP) via a recent court ruling of "absolute nullity," Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu is reportedly restructuring his inner circle with high-profile appointments. Rumors shaking the Turkish political landscape suggest that Ayhan Bilgen, a prominent and seasoned figure in regional politics, is poised to become Kılıçdaroğlu’s chief advisor
Bilgen is widely recognized for his tenure as the former Mayor of the eastern province of Kars, a position he won under the pro-Kurdish Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP) banner before eventually parting ways with the movement to forge his own political path. Addressing the widespread media reports regarding his potential advisory role, Bilgen delivered a calculated response, which inadvertently brought his historical messages of solidarity toward Kılıçdaroğlu back into the public spotlight. Given Bilgen's background as a former HDP lawmaker and spokesperson, international observers view this potential alliance as a strategic maneuver by Kılıçdaroğlu to rebuild bridges with diverse voter blocs in the post-court decision era.