Hours after making an unofficial announcement on the candidature of Kandula Rajamohan reddy to take on YSR congress chief YS Jaganmohan reddy in the by election to the Kadapa Lok Sabha, the congress finally changed its mind Thursday evening and said that Health Minister DR DL Ravindra Reddy would contest as party candidate in Kadapa.

Sources said Rajamohan reddy, who joined congress only on Thursday after quitting TDP, reportedly refused to contest but promised to extend all help to the congress candidate Ravindra Reddy.

The party finally zeroed in on Ravindra Reddy after a marathon meeting of Kadapa congress leaders at the CM’s camp office. “The party has asked me to fight the by election and I can’t move away from my responsibilities as a loyal party worker,” Ravindra reddy told media persons later.

Earlier, party spokesman Tulasi Reddy told journalists that Kandula Rajamohan Reddy would be the party’s candidate in Kadapa and his name would be officially announced after getting approval from the party high command. The situation however changed by the evening and Ravindra’s name was finalized in the end. He will take on MV Mysoora reddy (TDP) and Jagan (YSR Congress).

In Pulivendula assembly by election, agriculture Minister YS Vivekananda reddy will contest against YS Vijayamma (YSR Congress) and Btech Ravi (TDP).