A Texas leader from US President Donald Trump’s Republican party has sparked controversy over his remarks on the ‘Statue of Union’, a 90-foot statue of Lord Hanuman in the United States. Texas Republican Alexander Duncan criticised the construction of the statue, calling the US a Christian nation and terming it a “false statue of a false Hindu God.”

“Why are we allowing a false statue of a false Hindu God to be here in Texas? We are a CHRISTIAN nation,” Duncan wrote on X, along with the video of the statue located at Shri Ashtalakshmi Temple in the town of Sugar Land, Texas.

In another post, he quoted the Bible and said, “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.”

Alexander Duncan’s remarks on Hanuman statue spark row

Duncan’s statement sparked controversy and drew backlash on social media. The Hindu American Foundation (HAF) described his remarks as “anti-Hindu and inflammatory.” The HAF also filed a formal complaint with the Republican Party in Texas, urging action on the matter.

“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 Hindu American Foundation posted.

Many social media users also pointed out to the Republican leader that the US Constitution allows everyone to freely practise any religion.

“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,” an X user wrote.

The ‘Statue of Union’, unveiled in 2024, is one of the tallest Hindu monuments in the US. Sri Chinnajeeyar Swamiji conceived the idea, and it is now the third-tallest statue in the country.