Indian Vice President Bhairon Singh Shekhawat, told the Opposition United National Congress (UNC) that he could not interfere in the internal politics of the country following the party’s concerns that the Indian population here was being victimized.

According to a local press report, the UNC had complained to the Indian Vice President that they were being politically persecuted and pointed to the court cases involving former Prime Minister Basdeo Panday and Chief Justice Satnarine Sharma.

Shekhawat arrived in Trinidad and Tobago last week for a three-day visit after visiting Guyana.

Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar said a UNC delegation met with the vice president last Friday at the Hilton Trinidad hotel but he was clear that his government was powerless to intervene in this country's internal matters.

The country has been torn by the historical rivalry between Blacks and Indians, leading to constant suspicions and charges of victimization. Blacks have traditionally supported the governing People's National Movement while Indians are loyal to the Opposition UNC.