US Republican leader sparks outrage over Texas Hanuman statue, defends 'false god' remark
Texas: In Texas, U.S. Republican Senate candidate Alexander Duncan has ignited controversy after calling the 90-foot Lord Hanuman statue at the Sri Ashtalakshmi Temple a “false Hindu God.” In his original post, Duncan wrote: “Why are we allowing a false statue of a false Hindu God to be here in Texas? We are a CHRISTIAN nation!” The comment drew immediate backlash from Indian-American communities and the Hindu American Foundation (HAF), who condemned it as anti-Hindu and inflammatory.
Facing criticism, Duncan attempted to defend his remarks, claiming he was merely “asking a question” and not opposing Hinduism. He argued that Americans should question idol worship and emphasised that his post was consistent with his Christian beliefs. Duncan’s campaign manager echoed this, asserting that he had not advocated policies to restrict Hindu religious practices and that his free speech was protected under U.S. law.
The HAF rejected his defense, with director Suhag A Shukla responding: “You are not just asking questions, you are spreading hatred against Hinduism. The First Amendment already allows freedom of religion, yet you portray Hinduism as a ‘false tradition.’”
The Hanuman statue, North America’s tallest, has faced criticism from some U.S. conservatives who labelled it “foreign” or “demonic.” Mainstream media coverage, including Newsweek, has also been criticised by Hindu groups for insensitivity.
This controversy comes amid broader concerns about religious intolerance and discriminatory rhetoric affecting Indian-Americans, a key voter demographic in U.S. elections. Analysts say such incidents could influence the community’s traditional political leanings, highlighting the delicate balance between free speech and respect for cultural diversity.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
UP woman found hanging at in-laws' home; family alleges dowry murder
Maharajganj (UP) (PTI): A 29-year-old married woman was found hanging at her in-laws' home here, with her in-laws claiming it was suicide while her mother alleging murder over dowry, police said on Sunday.
According to police, Anukriti (29) had married Manoj Gond six years ago and lived with her in-laws in Mahadeva village.
Her in-laws claimed that she died by suicide after allegedly hanging herself inside a room of the house on Saturday evening, police said.
After receiving information about the incident, a police team reached the spot and sent the body for a post-mortem.
Paniyara police station in-charge Sanjay Kumar Singh said that based on a complaint filed by the woman’s mother, a case was registered on Sunday against her husband Manoj Gond, mother-in-law Punam, father-in-law Sumer Gond, and brother-in-law Munna Gond.
The complainant alleged that Anukriti was being harassed for dowry by in-laws and was murdered over dowry-related demands, Singh said.
(Assistance for overcoming suicidal thoughts is available on the state’s health helpline 104, Tele-MANAS 14416.)
