Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav has launched a fresh attack on the BJP government over issues concerning India's banking sector, raising 12 questions about bank privatisation, account charges, loan accessibility, cyber fraud and digital payments. In a social media post titled “12 Years, 12 Questions,” the former Uttar Pradesh chief minister questioned why banks were allegedly being put up for sale despite claims of becoming stronger. His criticism comes amid growing political activity ahead of the upcoming Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections. Akhilesh argued that ordinary citizens continue to face difficulties while accessing essential banking services, particularly when dealing with account maintenance charges, repeated KYC requirements and delays in resolving complaints. He also raised concerns about the treatment of farmers, students, small traders, senior citizens and economically weaker sections. Through his questions, the SP leader sought explanations from the BJP government over what he described as persistent problems in the banking system.

Privatisation, Account Charges and Loan Accessibility Under Scrutiny
Among the 12 questions, Akhilesh challenged the government to explain why banks were being sold if their financial position had improved. He also questioned the deduction of money from customers' accounts through penalties and service charges, along with repeated KYC procedures that can create difficulties for account holders. The SP chief asked why rural communities were facing reduced access to bank branches and ATMs, and why farmers, students and small business owners continued to struggle to obtain loans without guarantors or intermediaries. He further questioned the alleged disparity between ordinary borrowers, who face extensive documentation requirements, and large borrowers accused of taking substantial loans and leaving the country. Akhilesh also raised concerns about interest rates on home and education loans, arguing that borrowing costs can place a heavy burden on families. These issues, he said, require clear answers from the government.

Cyber Fraud, UPI Failures and Senior Citizens' Concerns
The SP president also highlighted problems associated with digital banking, including cyber fraud, failed transactions and delays in returning money deducted from customers' accounts. He questioned why victims of online scams often have to approach banks and police stations repeatedly to seek assistance. Akhilesh called attention to the difficulties faced by elderly and less digitally experienced customers while using UPI and other online payment services. He also raised concerns about repeated KYC requirements, particularly when senior citizens encounter difficulties completing biometric verification. According to his criticism, banks should provide accessible assistance and improve safeguards against online fraud. He additionally questioned the impact of low savings interest rates on pensioners and other people who depend on interest income for their daily expenses. The SP leader's broader argument was that expanding digital services should not come at the cost of customer support, financial security or convenient access to banking facilities.

Bank Employees, Recruitment and Financial Inclusion
Akhilesh also questioned the government's approach to bank employees, recruitment and working conditions. He argued that staffing pressures and unresolved employee demands could affect customer service. He further raised concerns about the alleged pressure on customers to purchase insurance policies or credit cards while opening accounts or accessing other banking products. The SP chief referred to problems involving bank lockers, service fees and the difficulties faced by economically weaker customers whose accounts may incur penalties. He also criticised the implementation of zero-balance banking arrangements when deductions allegedly leave poor customers with negative balances. Referring to the BJP government's banking reform agenda since 2014, Akhilesh demanded answers to the concerns raised in his post. He concluded by questioning the government's public messaging around banking access and insisting that citizens deserve greater transparency, fair treatment and accountability. The questions and allegations reflect the SP leader's political position; the government has not been quoted as responding individually to each point in the material provided.