**Texas Republican Leader Sparks Controversy Over Lord Hanuman Statue**

A Texas Republican leader has ignited a controversy with his remarks about a Hindu deity. Alexander Duncan, a Republican Party Senate candidate, called Lord Hanuman a “false god” in a statement concerning a statue of the deity located in Sugar Land, Texas.

Duncan’s comments, made in an X post, read: “Why are we allowing a false statue of a false Hindu God to be here in Texas? We are a CHRISTIAN nation!” These words drew strong criticism from Hindus living in the United States and prompted widespread backlash.

The Hindu American Foundation (HAF) condemned Duncan’s remarks as “anti-Hindu and inflammatory.” In response, the HAF urged the Republican Party to take disciplinary action against Duncan. They questioned the party’s commitment to its own anti-discrimination guidelines, stating on X:

*”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.”*

### Public Reaction on Social Media

Many netizens voiced their opposition to Duncan’s statement, emphasizing the importance of religious freedom in the United States. One user wrote, “We are a nation full of people who hold different religious beliefs. It’s called freedom of religion. If the followers of a religion are not harming or oppressing others then their religion is protected under our U.S. constitution.”

Another user commented, “What do you mean by ‘false Hindu god’? All gods are equally false. I understand you dislike having foreign symbols build up like that, but do not portray others’ gods as being more false than yours—that is preposterous.”

A third user highlighted the ancient origins and significance of Hindu texts: “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.”

### Duncan’s Response to Critics

In his defense, Duncan cited Bible verses, responding directly to his critics on X. He wrote:

*”I’m just calling it what it is, an IDOL. ‘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″*

*”They traded the truth about God for a lie. So they worshiped and served the things God created instead of the Creator himself, who is worthy of eternal praise! Amen.” Romans 1:25*

In a separate post, Duncan urged Americans to “preserve” Western culture.

### About the Statue of Lord Hanuman in Texas

The statue in question, known as the **Statue of Union**, was unveiled in 2024. It is a 90-foot-tall statue of Lord Hanuman, located at the Sri Ashtalakshmi Temple in Sugar Land, Texas. The statue stands as a significant cultural and religious symbol for the Hindu community in the region.

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The controversy highlights ongoing tensions surrounding religious symbols in public spaces and the broader dialogue about religious tolerance and freedom in the United States.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/world/false-hindu-god-republican-leader-alexander-duncan-faces-criticism-for-controversial-post-on-lord-hanuman-statue-in-texas