WASHINGTON– A Texas Republican leader has ignited controversy after publicly denouncing a 90-foot statue of Lord Hanuman in Sugar Land, Texas, calling it a “false statue of a false Hindu God.”
Alexander Duncan, identified as a Republican figure affiliated with President Donald Trump’s party, posted his objections on X alongside a video of the statue, which was unveiled in 2024 on the grounds of the Shri Ashtalakshmi Temple. Known as the “Statue of Union,” it is among the tallest Hindu monuments in the United States.
“Why are we allowing a false statue of a false Hindu God to be here in Texas? We are a CHRISTIAN nation,” Duncan wrote. In a follow-up post, he quoted from the Bible’s Exodus 20:3-4: “You must not have any other god but me. You must not make for yourself an idol of any kind or an image of anything in the heavens or on the earth or in the sea.”
The remarks quickly drew condemnation from religious freedom advocates and Hindu groups. The Hindu American Foundation (HAF) described Duncan’s statements as “anti-Hindu and inflammatory” and urged the Republican Party of Texas to take disciplinary action.
“Hello @TexasGOP, will you be disciplining your senate candidate from your party who openly contravenes your own guidelines against discrimination—displaying some pretty sordid anti-Hindu hate—not to mention disrespect for the 1st Amendment’s Establishment Clause?” HAF wrote in a public statement.
Supporters of interfaith dialogue also weighed in. One user, Jordan Crowder, pushed back against Duncan’s characterization: “Just because you’re not Hindu, doesn’t make it false. The Vedas were written almost 2000 years before Jesus walked the earth and are extraordinary texts. And there’s obvious influences on Christianity…so it would be wise to honor and research the ‘religion’ that predates and influences yours.”
The Statue of Union, envisioned by spiritual leader Sri Chinna Jeeyar Swamiji, was designed as a symbol of unity, harmony, and inclusiveness—values central to the Hindu faith. At 90 feet tall, it is currently the third-tallest statue in the United States and has become a landmark for both the Indian-American community and interfaith visitors.
The Texas GOP has not yet issued a response to the calls for disciplinary action. (Source: IANS)
