Sugar Land [Texas]: A Republican leader in Texas is facing widespread backlash after making derogatory remarks about a statue of Lord Hanuman installed at the Sri Ashtalakshmi Temple in Sugar Land. Alexander Duncan, a senate candidate, sparked controversy with a social media post questioning the presence of the 90-foot statue, calling it a “false statue of a false Hindu God” and declaring that “we are a CHRISTIAN nation.”

Remarks spark condemnation

Duncan’s comments drew immediate condemnation from Hindu advocacy groups, civil rights organisations, and members of the interfaith community. The Hindu American Foundation (HAF) termed the remarks “anti-Hindu and inflammatory,” while urging the Texas Republican Party to take disciplinary action.

“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,” HAF wrote on X.

The group also filed a formal report with party leadership, calling for an internal review into Duncan’s conduct.

Social media reactions

The controversy ignited a wave of responses on social media. Many users accused Duncan of spreading religious intolerance and undermining America’s identity as a pluralistic democracy.

One user replied: “You are free to believe what you want, but calling somebody else’s beliefs ‘false’ isn’t freedom.” Another commented: “You didn’t get a say in whether this country is Christian or not – we are many faiths.”

A third user criticised Duncan’s stance on America being a “Christian nation,” asking, “Since when do we only allow one religion in a place built on many beliefs?”

The Hanuman statue

The statue at the centre of the controversy, known as the Statue of Union, is a 90-foot bronze installation of Lord Hanuman located at the Sri Ashtalakshmi Temple. Unveiled earlier this year, the statue is dedicated to devotion, strength, and unity. For Hindu Americans in Texas and beyond, it represents not only a religious figure but also a cultural symbol of identity and belonging.

Local community leaders have noted that the statue has become a gathering point for cultural activities, temple events, and interfaith initiatives aimed at promoting understanding among diverse groups.

Broader implications

The incident has reignited debates about religious pluralism in the United States, especially in states like Texas where immigrant communities continue to grow. Analysts say Duncan’s comments highlight ongoing tensions around immigration, identity, and the acceptance of public religious symbols in multicultural communities.

For Hindu Americans, who number over half a million in the US, such remarks are seen not only as an affront to their faith but also as an attempt to marginalise their cultural presence in American society.

Conclusion

While Alexander Duncan’s comments have been condemned by advocacy groups and citizens alike, the controversy underscores the persistent challenges of ensuring religious tolerance in the US. The Hanuman statue in Sugar Land, intended to embody strength and unity, has now become a focal point in the broader national conversation about inclusion, faith, and America’s multicultural fabric.