Republican leader Alexander Duncan under fire over ‘false Hindu God’ remark on Hanuman statue

Duncan’s remarks drew backlash on social media, with the Hindu American Foundation (HAF) calling the statement “anti-Hindu”.

A Texas Republican leader is facing criticism for his remarks on the ‘State of Union’, a 90-ft statue of Lord Hanuman in the US city. Sharing a video of the statue on his X handle, Texas Republican Alexander Duncan objected to its construction, calling United States 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 wrote on X.

The Statue of Union, located at Shri Ashtalakshmi Temple in the town in Sugar Land, Texas, was unveiled last year.

Row over Duncan’s remarks

Duncan’s remarks drew backlash on social media, with the Hindu American Foundation (HAF) calling the statement “anti-Hindu”.

“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 group wrote.

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? https://t.co/5LItlu7Zu2 pic.twitter.com/oqZkZozUBR

— Hindu American Foundation (@HinduAmerican) September 22, 2025

Netizens react

On Duncan’s post, several netizens reminded him that the constitution of US gives them the freedom to practice any religion.

“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,” a 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 religon is protected under our US constitution,” another added.

A third said, "As of May 2025, there are approximately 34,405 churches in India, according to a comprehensive directory of religious establishments. This figure represents a 6.06% increase from 2023 and includes a wide range of Christian denominations, with the majority (about 98%) operating as independent or single-owner congregations."