News Brief
"False Hindu God": Texas Senate Republican Candidate's Remark On Hanuman Statue In US Sparks Controversy
Statue of Union—one of the tallest Hindu monuments in the US. (X)
A Texas Republican leader sparked backlash after criticising a 90-foot statue of Lord Hanuman, known as the 'Statue of Union,' located in Sugar Land, Texas, reported NDTV.
The monument, unveiled in 2024, ranks as one of the tallest Hindu statues in the United States and was envisioned by Sri Chinnajeeyar Swamiji. It is the third-tallest statue in the country.
Alexander Duncan, a Republican running for the Senate in Texas, questioned the statue's presence in the state. Posting on X, he wrote, "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 showing the statue at Shri Ashtalakshmi Temple.
In a separate post, Duncan quoted the Bible, saying, "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, coming at a time when the Indian community in the US has been facing increasing racism online, drew immediate criticism on social media. Duncan's remarks The Hindu American Foundation (HAF) condemned Duncan’s statements as "anti-Hindu and inflammatory" and reported the incident to the Republican Party in Texas, urging action.
Social media users also reminded Duncan that the US Constitution guarantees freedom of religion. X user Jordan Crowder commented, "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' continues to stand as a symbol of Hindu heritage and devotion in the United States.
