As the party prepares for its 13th General Convention, a dispute over active membership, which had been resolved recently, has resurfaced in the Nepali Congress.

The delay in settling the row is likely to affect the party’s village, regional and district conventions. The issue of active membership is crucial as the members select convention representatives who will vote for the election of the party’s central leadership.

Rival factions are competing to boost their positions with an aim to win the election. If there is further delay in finalising the list of active members, leaders say, the convention preparations will be affected.

Earlier, the Central Working Committee had endorsed the report prepared by the Narahari Acharya-led committee while there was an understanding in the top brass to settle minor disputes. Soon after the decision, leaders and cadres from some districts organised a sit-in at the party headquarters complaining of irregularities in distributing active membership.

The Dolpa District president of the party, CWC member Bala Bahadur KC, Rautahat District chapter leaders, leaders and cadres from Kailali are protesting outside the party office in Sanepa.

The Sher Bahadur Deuba faction has proposed to entrust Acharya for a final decision on active membership. However, NC President Sushil Koirala maintains that the voices of dissatisfaction should be addressed. There are calls on the top leaders of the factions to take some political decisions to resolve the disputes.

In 2010, the party had 316,000 active members. The committee has, however, proposed to increase the number to 470,655 for the upcoming convention. The Election Committee will begin its work after President Koirala hands over the members’ list. The CWC has endorsed directives for holding elections to select convention representatives.