'False statue of false Hindu God': Texas Republican faces backlash over comments on 90-foot Hanuman statue in Sugar Land
PTC Web Desk: A Texas Republican leader has sparked controversy after criticising the construction of a 90-foot statue of the Hindu deity Hanuman—called the 'Statue of Union'—in Sugar Land, Texas. Alexander Duncan, a prominent member of the Republican Party, referred to the United States as a “Christian nation” and questioned the presence of the statue at Shri Ashtalakshmi Temple.
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? https://t.co/5LItlu7Zu2 pic.twitter.com/oqZkZozUBR
— Hindu American Foundation (@HinduAmerican) September 22, 2025
On social media platform X, Duncan posted, “Why are we allowing a false statue of a false Hindu God to be here in Texas? We are a CHRISTIAN nation,” alongside a video of the statue. In another post, he cited the Bible: “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” (Exodus 20:3-4).
The comments drew immediate criticism. The Hindu American Foundation (HAF) called Duncan’s statements “anti-Hindu and inflammatory” and filed a formal complaint with the Texas Republican Party, demanding accountability. The organisation highlighted that the remarks also appeared to disregard the First Amendment, which guarantees freedom of religion.
Social media users joined the debate, emphasising religious tolerance. One user, Jordan Crowder, reminded Duncan that the Vedas predate Christianity by almost 2,000 years and have influenced many religious teachings, urging respect for Hinduism.
The 'Statue of Union,' unveiled in 2024, stands as one of the tallest Hindu monuments in the United States. Inspired by Sri Chinnajeeyar Swamiji, it ranks as the third-tallest statue in the country.
- With inputs from agencies
