A major controversy has arisen in the US state of Texas over the 90-foot tall statue of Hanuman Ji, the ‘Statue of the Union’. Republican Party leader and candidate for Texas Senate elections Alexander Duncan, while sharing a video on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), has made this hateful statement, “Why have we allowed a fake statue of a fake Hindu God to be installed in Texas? We are a Christian nation.” Duncan, linking his statement with a quote from the Bible, wrote, “You shall have no other god, nor shall you make an idol.” This statement has not only angered Hindu Americans, but has also raised questions on religious freedom.
This statue, which is installed in the Shri Ashtalakshmi Temple, was unveiled in 2024 and is the tallest statue of Hanuman Ji in North America. It is also the third tallest American statue. But Duncan’s tweet insulted it by calling it a ‘fake god’, which led to more hateful comments. Some users even called for the statue to be demolished.
Duncan’s statement has been seen by many as racist and religiously hateful. He is calling America a purely Christian nation, which conflicts with the First Amendment of the US Constitution, which guarantees religious freedom. “Just because you’re not Hindu doesn’t make it fake,” wrote user Jordan Crowder on X. “The Vedas were written 2,000 years before Jesus. We are a nation of many religions.” Other users reminded Duncan that America is built on diversity, not one religion. The statement also comes amid the H-1B visa controversy, where the Trump administration has imposed new restrictions on Indians, fueling anti-Hindu sentiment.
What action have Hindu organizations taken?
The Hindu American Foundation (HAF) has condemned Duncan’s statement as “anti-Hindu and inflammatory”. The HAF has filed a formal complaint with the Texas Republican Party and asked, “Will you punish your candidate who is spreading racism?” HAF posted on X that this hatred will not be tolerated. Other Hindu organizations have also appealed not to vote for Duncan.
What is being said in American newspapers?
It has also received extensive coverage in the American media. Newsweek reported it as “Large half-ape half-human statue in Texas provokes conservative opposition”, which the Hindu community called offensive. The Hindustan Times (American edition) wrote that Duncan’s statement challenges American diversity.
