JHANSI, Sept. 7 -- Minister for social welfare (independent charge) Asim Arun on Saturday lashed out at Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav, saying "threatening government officials is part of his and his party's character." Responding to Yadav's allegations, Arun said jobs during the SP regime were given either through bribes or to people belonging to select castes. "On the other hand, today exams are being conducted fairly, with the entire government machinery ensuring equal opportunity for everyone," he said. Drawing a parallel between the SP and Pakistan, the minister alleged both sought to divide society on the basis of caste and religion, while the BJP believed in collective progress without discrimination. "The people of UP have experienced the governance of SP, which was full of anarchy and arson. Each time he (Akhilesh Yadav) makes such statements, it serves as a booster dose reminding people of the ills of the SP regime," Arun added. The minister was on a day-long visit to Jhansi. Recalling his early days as an IPS officer, he said he was posted in Jhansi as commander of the 33rd Battalion of the PAC in 1999. Later in the evening, he attended the annual Mela Jal Vihar in Mauranipur.htc...