A Republican leader in Texas has triggered criticism after his remarks on a 90-foot statue of Bhagwan Hanuman, known as the 'Statue of Union,' in the United States. Alexander Duncan, a Texas Republican, objected to the statue of the Hindu deity while describing the United States as 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, along with a video of the statue at Shri Ashtalakshmi Temple in Sugar Land, Texas.

In another post, Duncan, who belongs to former President Donald Trump’s party and is running for the Senate from Texas, quoted the Bible and wrote, "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.

His comments were met with backlash on social media. The Hindu American Foundation (HAF) called the remarks "anti-Hindu and inflammatory" and reported the issue to the Republican Party of Texas, urging 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.

Several users online also pointed out that the US Constitution guarantees the freedom to practice any religion.

An X user, Jordan Crowder, wrote, "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 honour and research the 'religion' that predates and influences yours."

Unveiled in 2024, the 'Statue of Union' is among the tallest Hindu statues in the United States. It was envisioned by Sri Chinnajeeyar Swamiji and is the third-tallest statue in the country.