Why allow statue of Hindu God in Texas: US leader faces backlash over calling Hanuman 'false'

A Texas Republican leader has drawn sharp criticism after making controversial remarks on social media regarding a 90-foot statue of Lord Hanuman, a Hindu deity, recently unveiled at the Shri Ashtalakshmi Temple in Sugar Land, Texas.

Alexander Duncan, a GOP candidate for the Texas State Senate, posted a video of the statue on X (formerly Twitter) 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."

In a follow-up post, Duncan cited verses from the Bible’s Book of Exodus (20:3-4), stating: "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."

Duncan's remarks were swiftly condemned by interfaith and civil rights organisations, including the Hindu American Foundation (HAF), which described the statement as "anti-Hindu and inflammatory." HAF has formally reported the matter to the Texas Republican Party and demanded disciplinary action.

"Hello @TexasGOP," the Foundation posted on X, "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?"

Social media was flooded with mixed reaction, emphasising the constitutional right to freedom of religion.

One user, Jordan Crowder, responded: "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… so it would be wise to honour and research the religion that predates and influences yours."

The Statue of Union, unveiled in 2024, stands 90 feet tall and is one of the tallest Hindu monuments in the United States. Envisioned by spiritual leader Sri Chinna Jeeyar Swamiji, the statue symbolises unity and peace. It is currently the third-tallest statue in the country.