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Texas Hanuman Statue Controversy: A Texas Republican leader has come under fire after calling a 90-foot statue of Lord Hanuman a “false Hindu God,” igniting a debate on religious freedom and tolerance in the United States. Alexander Duncan, GOP candidate for the Texas Senate, shared a video of the ‘Statue of Union’ at the Shri Ashtalakshmi Temple in Sugar Land, Texas, along with a message stating, “Why are we allowing a false statue of a false Hindu God to be here in Texas? We are a CHRISTIAN nation.”

In another social media post, Duncan quoted Exodus 20:3-4, which says, “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.” The remarks quickly drew criticism from the Hindu American Foundation (HAF) and social media users, who accused Duncan of making “anti-Hindu and inflammatory” comments.

HAF formally reported the incident to the Texas Republican Party, urging action. The foundation tweeted, “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?”

Controversy Amid Broader Anti-Hindu Sentiments

Several netizens reminded Duncan that the United States Constitution guarantees freedom of religion. Jordan Crowder, a user on X, responded, “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. There are obvious influences on Christianity…so it would be wise to honor and research the religion that predates and influences yours.” Other commenters criticised Duncan for disregarding the principle of religious tolerance enshrined in the American Constitution. One wrote, “You fight for the American Constitution, but don’t even have a basic clue of what it says about Religious Freedom!”

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The 90-foot 'Statue of Union' revealed in 2024, is one of the tallest Hindu monuments in the United States. Designed by spiritual leader Sri Chinnajeeyar Swamiji, the statue is the third-tallest figure in the United States and is the tallest image of Lord Hanuman in North America. Situated at the Shri Ashtalakshmi Temple, the monument reflects piety, cultural heritage, and increasing Hindu settlements in the US.

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The backlash against the statue is amidst increased scrutiny of Indian professionals in America in the wake of Trump administration’s USD 100,000 H-1B visa fee announcement. Social media users indicate that this policy shift has encouraged anti-India and anti-Hindu rhetoric on all social media platforms. Despite pressure from Duncan and some advocates to protest the presence of the statue, most Americans have spoken out in favor of religious freedom, highlighting that America is strong because of its diversity and constitutional freedoms.