Watch | "False Hindu God": US Republican Leader’s Comment on Hanuman Statue Triggers Controversy

A Texas Republican politician has ruffled feathers over his remarks about a 90-foot tall statue of Lord Hanuman, titled the 'Statue of Union,' in the American city of Sugar Land. Alexander Duncan, who is a Texas Republican, slammed the construction of the statue on grounds that the United States was a Christian nation.

"Why are we allowing a false statue of a false Hindu God to be here in Texas? We are a CHRISTIAN nation," Duncan tweeted on X, posting a video of the statue at Shri Ashtalakshmi Temple.

In another tweet, Duncan, who is vying for the Senate to serve Texas and is a member of former President Donald Trump's party, quoted the Bible as saying, "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.

Duncan's comments soon received online backlash. The Hindu American Foundation (HAF) termed the remarks as "anti-Hindu and inflammatory" and officially reported the matter to the Texas Republican Party, calling for them to take 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?" the Hindu American Foundation posted.

Most social media followers reminded Duncan that the US Constitution guarantees the right to practice any religion. Jordan Crowder, an X user, posted, "Just because you're not Hindu, doesn't mean it's not true. The Vedas were authored nearly 2000 years prior to Jesus' time on earth and are remarkable texts. And there's clear influences on Christianity.so it would be sensible to respect and study the 'religion' that is older and has influence over yours."

Unveiled in 2024, the 'Statue of Union' is one of the tallest Hindu monuments in the United States. The monument, which was conceived by Sri Chinnajeeyar Swamiji, is the third-tallest statue in the United States.