Senate candidate’s comments against 90-foot Hanuman statue in Texas draw backlash from Hindu groups and constitutional rights advocates
A Texas Republican leader and Senate candidate, Alexander Duncan, has come under fire after calling a recently unveiled statue of Lord Hanuman a representation of a “false Hindu God.” Duncan, who is affiliated with Donald Trump’s Republican Party, posted his remarks on social media platform X, describing the United States as a Christian nation and questioning the presence of Hindu symbols in Texas.
The Statue of Union: A Landmark Monument in Texas
The 90-foot-tall statue of Lord Hanuman, known as the “Statue of Union,” was unveiled in 2024 at the Shri Ashtalakshmi Temple in Sugar Land, Texas.
- Envisioned by Sri Chinnajeeyar Swamiji
- Among the tallest Hindu statues in the United States
- Currently the third-tallest statue in the country
The statue has been widely celebrated by the Indian-American community as a symbol of unity, spirituality, and cultural pride.
Alexander Duncan’s Controversial Remarks
In a post on X, Duncan wrote:
“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, he quoted the Bible:
“You must not have any other god but me. You must not make for yourself an idol of any kind…” — Exodus 20:3-4
These comments have sparked widespread criticism across political and religious communities, with many pointing to constitutional violations and religious intolerance.
Backlash from Hindu Groups and Civil Liberties Advocates
The Hindu American Foundation (HAF) condemned Duncan’s comments as “anti-Hindu and inflammatory.”
In a formal statement, HAF demanded accountability:
“Will @TexasGOP discipline their Senate candidate for violating their own anti-discrimination policy and attacking the First Amendment?”
HAF has:
- Reported Duncan to the Texas Republican Party.
- Called for the party to uphold non-discrimination guidelines.
- Urged the protection of religious freedoms under the U.S. Constitution.
First Amendment and Religious Freedom
Several users on social media highlighted that Duncan’s remarks contradict the First Amendment, which guarantees:
- Freedom of religion
- Separation of church and state
One X user, Jordan Crowder, responded:
“Just because you’re not Hindu, doesn’t make it false. The Vedas were written 2000 years before Jesus. It would be wise to honor and research the religion that predates and influences yours.”
Religious Diversity in the United States
The incident has reignited discussions about religious pluralism in America, especially in diverse states like Texas, where Hindu, Muslim, Jewish, and other faith-based communities contribute significantly to local culture and economy.
While Duncan’s comments echo a Christian nationalist perspective, critics argue that they undermine core American values of religious freedom and inclusion.
Conclusion: Statue of Unity, or Division?
While the Statue of Union was intended as a monument to spiritual unity, the remarks by Alexander Duncan have sparked division and raised questions about religious tolerance in U.S. politics.
As public outrage builds, all eyes are now on the Texas Republican Party to see whether it will reprimand Duncan or allow faith-based discrimination to go unchallenged.
