A recent controversy has erupted in the United States following remarks by Texas Republican leader Alexander Duncan regarding a 90-foot Lord Hanuman statue, known as the 'Statue of Union,' located at the Sri Ashtalakshmi Temple in Sugar Land, Texas. Duncan, who is campaigning for a Texas Senate seat, posted a video of the statue on social media with the caption, "Why are we allowing a false statue of a false Hindu God to be here in Texas? We are a CHRISTIAN nation!" He further quoted biblical verses condemning idolatry. The statue, unveiled in August 2024, stands as one of the tallest Hindu monuments in North America and symbolizes "selflessness, devotion, and unity." Duncan's comments have drawn widespread criticism from various quarters, including the Hindu American Foundation (HAF), which condemned the remarks as "anti-Hindu and inflammatory." The HAF has formally reported the incident to the Texas Republican Party, urging disciplinary action against Duncan for violating anti-discrimination guidelines and showing disregard for the First Amendment's Establishment Clause. This incident highlights ongoing tensions in the U.S. over religious tolerance and the treatment of religious minorities, particularly in the context of strained U.S.-India relations and recent policy changes affecting the Indian community. The controversy has sparked a broader debate about the intersection of religion, politics, and cultural representation in the United States. #news #Newsone #HanumanStatue #ControversialComment #ReligiousSentiments #PublicUproar #CulturalDebate #IndiaNews #SocialMediaBuzz #CommunityReaction
