Texas Republican leader Alexander Duncan has sparked controversy after opposing a 90-foot statue of Lord Hanuman, called the ‘Statue of Union', in a US city. Duncan objected to its construction, insisting the United States is 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," Alexander Duncan wrote on X, along with the video of the statue located at Shri Ashtalakshmi Temple in the town of Sugar Land, Texas.

Quoting the Bible, the Republican leader, in another post, said, "'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."

“'They traded the truth about God for a lie. So they worshiped and served the things God created instead of the Creator himself, who is worthy of eternal praise! Amen.' Romans 1:25.” he added.

Duncan’s remarks quickly drew criticism online, with the Hindu American Foundation (HAF) slamming them as “anti-Hindu and inflammatory". The group also filed a formal complaint with the Texas Republican Party, urging action against him.

"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.