"False Hindu God": Republican Leader's Remark On Hanuman Statue In US Sparks Row

Texas Republican Leader Faces Criticism Over Comments on Hindu Statue in the US

A significant controversy has erupted after Texas Republican Alexander Duncan criticized the presence of a 90-foot Hanuman statue in Sugar Land, Texas, calling it a "false statue of a false Hindu God."

Washington:

A prominent Texas Republican official has ignited outrage following his controversial statements about a 90-foot statue of Lord Hanuman—referred to as the 'Statue of Union'—located in Sugar Land, Texas. Alexander Duncan proclaimed that the United States is a "CHRISTIAN nation" while objecting to the Hindu deity's monument being erected in Texas.

Duncan shared his views on X (formerly Twitter), posting a video of the statue at Shri Ashtalakshmi Temple with the caption: "Why are we allowing a false statue of a false Hindu God to be here in Texas? We are a CHRISTIAN nation."

The Senate candidate, aligned with President Donald Trump's party, reinforced his position in a subsequent post by quoting Exodus 20:3-4 from 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."

The remarks quickly sparked widespread condemnation across social media platforms. The Hindu American Foundation (HAF) labeled Duncan's statements as "anti-Hindu and inflammatory" and formally reported the incident to the Texas Republican Party, requesting 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?" the HAF posted on social media.

Many internet users responded by reminding the Republican leader about the constitutional freedom of religion in the United States.

One X user, Jordan Crowder, provided a thoughtful response: "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,' unveiled in 2024, stands as one of the tallest Hindu monuments in the United States. Envisioned by Sri Chinnajeeyar Swamiji, it ranks as the third-tallest statue in the entire country.