The state’s economy, according to the survey, has continued to grow in the last four years. The growth registered during 2017-18 was 8.5 per cent as against 7.5 per cent the previous year.

This augurs well for the Aam Aadmi Party which is seeking to contest all seven Lok Sabha seats in Delhi. The Kejriwal government will continue to provide subsidies on water and electricity to deserving citizens of Delhi. It will also be able to keep up its momentum on providing better healthcare and education to weaker sections, according to observers.

Many believe Kejriwal may be in better footing to contest the Assembly polls as compared to parliament elections because of his subsidy schemes on water and electricity. This could be the reason why he showed his eagerness to have a tie-up with the Congress party on Delhi’s seven Lok Sabha seats.

While the Congress has spurned his offer thus far, he is still hoping it will come round because of the opposition pressure to take on Modi juggernaut . The Chief Minister has kept up his anti-Modi tirade without any let-up. His indefinite fast for full statehood for Delhi is part of his larger political plan. He is aware that the demand is unachievable for now, but has gone ahead to make a political point. Such demands have been met with a stern no by the Centre earlier too.

Well wishers of Kejriwal want a deal through with Congress for the Delhi Lok Sabha seats. Prominent among them is Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee who is believed to have spoken to her Congress friends. But Congress insiders say the party has genuine problems because of which it may not be possible to tie up with AAP. For example, they say, AAP may be seeking similar tie-ups in Haryana and Punjab as well. The Congress , they add , cannot afford to cede territory like this. It is another matter that BJP in Delhi may have a walkover if there is triangular contest.

Kejriwal has been hopeful of a tie-up after Ajay Maken was replaced by Sheila Dikshit as Delhi Congress chief recently. Maken had gone too far in attacking Kejriwal leaving little room for a tie-up. Dikshit has no such baggage. Significantly, she said recently that none from AAP has come to her to talk for any tie-up.

Of course, the final say rests with Rahul Gandhi who has been too busy on various fronts. It is said the party’s parliamentary board will take a call on the issue.