Sugar Land, Texas, USA: A senior Texas Republican leader, Alexander Duncan, has triggered fresh controversy after objecting to the presence of a Hindu temple in the state. Reacting to a video praising the beauty of the Sri Ashtalakshmi Temple, Duncan said such places of worship do not belong in Texas and claimed the state does not need temples used to worship what he called false and demonic gods, citing Exodus 20:3. He has previously faced criticism for remarks against Hindu beliefs, including opposition to a proposed 90-foot Hanuman statue.

Duncan’s comments spread rapidly online, drawing strong reactions from both supporters and critics. While some echoed his views on idol worship, others questioned why such rhetoric was being tolerated, with criticism also directed at Texas Governor Greg Abbott. A few users even speculated about similar tensions in other states, referencing Ohio and Indian-origin leader Vivek Ramaswamy.

An Indian-origin entrepreneur publicly condemned Duncan’s remarks, warning that continued intolerance from Republican leaders could push Hindu Americans toward the Democratic Party. He stressed that the Bible is not the governing document of the United States and highlighted the growing influence of Hindu Americans in Texas, projecting their population to approach one million in the coming years. Citing data from the Pew Research Center, he noted that Texas is home to about 570,000 Indian residents, adding that persistent prejudice could translate into increased funding and votes for Democrats.