Texas Republican Alexander Duncan is facing fresh criticism after comments targeting a Hindu temple in the state. His remarks followed a video highlighting the Sri Ashtalakshmi Temple in Sugar Land, drawing massive backlash from the Indian-American community and fueling concerns over religious intolerance.
‘Temple does not belong in Texas’
The video, which showed a person filming the temple and praising its intricate design, described it as beautiful and said it felt like being in India. Normally, such a video would pass without much notice, but that changed after Texas GOP leader Alexander Duncan weighed in.
In his post on X, Duncan wrote, “This does not belong in Texas! We do not need or want temples in our state that are used to worship false, demonic gods and idols. ‘You shall have no other gods before me.’” — quoting Exodus 20:3.
Duncan has previously drawn criticism for anti-Hindu statements. He had earlier referred to the Hindu deity Hanuman as a “false god” and opposed the installation of a 90-foot Hanuman statue at a temple in Texas. “This is not the first time he has targeted Hindu beliefs publicly,” said one community leader. “His comments continue to inflame tensions unnecessarily.”
Thankfully Gov Abbott is not a bigot & bible is not the United States Constitution. Hindu American population in Texas will touch a million in a few years. We vote in high numbers & have high median incomes. Such bigotry will only mean more money and votes will go to Dems. Go on https://t.co/ps9IcZ9udb
— Ram (@ramprasad_c) January 10, 2026
Indian-American entrepreneur weighs in
Amid the debate, Indian-American entrepreneur Ram Prasad weighed in, calling Duncan’s remarks bigoted and warning of political consequences. “Thankfully, Gov. Abbott is not a bigot, and the Bible is not the US Constitution,” Prasad wrote on X. “The Hindu-American population in Texas will soon touch a million. We vote in high numbers and have high median incomes. Such bigotry will only push more money and votes toward the Democrats.”
Texas has one of the largest Indian populations in the United States, with around 570,000 residents of Indian origin, according to Pew Research. California has the largest at about 960,000, followed by New Jersey, New York, and Illinois. Cities such as Dallas, New York, and San Francisco host some of the largest Indian-American communities in the country.
Hanuman Temple row in Texas
Duncan’s remarks come at a time when Indian Americans are already feeling uneasy. Just days ago, The New York Times reported on protests against the same Hanuman statue in Sugar Land.
That statue was the result of decades of effort by community members like Srinivasachary Tamirisa, a retired doctor who helped build the temple. Outside the temple walls, however, Christian protesters gathered and called the statue a “demon god.” Some right-wing politicians joined in online, questioning why such a statue was allowed in Texas at all.
For Tamirisa, who immigrated to the US 50 years ago, the protests were deeply painful. He had built a successful life, raised his family, paid his taxes, and proudly became an American citizen.
“I thought this was heaven on earth,” he told the NYT. But seeing his faith mocked made him question whether he truly belonged. Though he now wonders if life would be easier back in India, he stays for his grandchildren.
Experts, according to the NYT, say this is part of a rise in anti-Indian and anti-immigrant sentiment, often fueled by political rhetoric. Indian Americans, despite being one of the most educated and economically successful groups in the US, are increasingly being targeted, especially online.