Some members of the Sahitya Akademi are angry about a controversial amendment made at a special general body meeting of the Akademi here on Sunday that allows members to seek a second term. The change could allow current president, Gopi Chand Narang, to take a second term.

Only Jawaharlal Nehru has been elected president of the Akademi for the second consecutive term.

Nineteen years ago, the Akademi barred general council members from seeking a second term. But in the face of opposition, this was diluted to allow re-entry after one term, or five years. Earlier, terms were for three years, and the office-bearers could get back faster.

Another amendment that was tabled said two consecutive terms would not be allowed for those who made it to the body under the category reserved for “persons of eminence in the field of letters.” But members opposed the move as it seemed obvious that it was aimed at keeping noted Malayalam writer M T Vasudevan Nair out of the race for vice-presidentship.

Those opposed to Narang said he had packed the general body with members of his choice, who are likely to support him on his quest for a new term.

“As existing members can now enter the Akademi after a gap of five years there are more chances that Narang might get a third term as well,” commented a member.

Many members expressed surprise that Narang, as president, started the process of forming the new general body without calling for government nominees. There are three categories of nominations: from the government, from literary organisations, and universities.

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