Tadepalli, Aug. 26 -- YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) chief YS Jagan Mohan Reddy on Wednesday said that Andhra Pradesh is facing a severe drought situation and accused Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu of failing to respond to the crisis. He said the state has recorded a 52 percent rainfall deficit from June till now.

Jagan said that out of 688 mandals in the state, 628 mandals are facing deficient rainfall, with the impact of drought being particularly severe in the coastal region as well. He alleged that Chandrababu Naidu was unwilling even to officially recognise the drought situation.

He said, "Paddy nurseries are drying up, but the government has failed to come forward to support farmers."

Jagan alleged that despite being aware of the p...