New Delhi: A Texas Republican leader has stirred controversy after calling a 90-foot statue of Lord Hanuman known as the ‘Statue of Union’ a “false Hindu God.” The statue, located at Shri Ashtalakshmi Temple in Sugar Land, Texas, is among the tallest Hindu monuments in the United States and was inaugurated in 2024 under the vision of spiritual leader Sri Chinnajeeyar Swamiji.
Alexander Duncan, a Republican leader and Senate candidate, wrote on X:
“Why are we allowing a false statue of a false Hindu God to be here in Texas? We are a CHRISTIAN nation.”
In a follow-up post, Duncan cited the Bible’s Book of Exodus (20:3-4), which prohibits worship of other gods and making idols or images of divine figures.
Duncan’s comments drew sharp criticism on social media, with many accusing him of promoting religious intolerance. The Hindu American Foundation (HAF) condemned the remarks as “anti-Hindu and inflammatory” and formally reported the incident to the Texas Republican Party.
“Hello @TexasGOP, will you be disciplining your senate candidate who openly contravenes your own guidelines against discrimination displaying some pretty sordid anti-Hindu hate not to mention disrespect for the First Amendment’s Establishment Clause?” HAF posted on X.
Social media users also reminded Duncan that the U.S. Constitution guarantees freedom of religion. One user, Jordan Crowder, wrote:
“Just because you’re not Hindu doesn’t make it false. The Vedas were written almost 2,000 years before Jesus walked the earth and are extraordinary texts. There are obvious influences on Christianity, so it would be wise to honor and study a tradition that predates and influences yours.”
The ‘Statue of Union,’ standing 90 feet tall, is the third tallest statue in the United States. It was designed to symbolize peace, devotion, and unity, and has become a prominent landmark for the Indian-American community in Texas.
