The tenure of secretaries at all levels in the CPI(M) has been limited to three terms, implying this could be the last term for incumbent General Secretary Prakash Karat.

The significant amendment restricting the tenure was unanimously approved by delegates at the ongoing 20th party congress here yesterday, party sources said. Karat, elected as General Secretary in 2005 at the New Delhi congress and again at Coimbatore for the second term, is expected to be re-elected for a third term.

The congress, however, did not consider a proposal to fix the age limit for leaders holding positions in the party or governments.
The constitutional amendment has a provision for a secretary to continue for a fourth term if three-fourths of the members of respective party conferences (the party congress in the case of general secretary) vote in his or her favour.

The period between two party conferences that constitute a term is three years unless the meets are delayed due to various reasons.
The existing party politburo held its last meeting yesterday and prepared a panel for the new central committee and politburo.

The panel was presented before the congress this morning, which will elect the new bodies and the General Secretary by afternoon.
The congress would conclude this evening with a rally and march by party volunteers at M K Pandhe Nagar on the beach.