A Republican Party official in Texas has once again drawn sharp criticism for making inflammatory statements targeting the Hindu community and its places of worship. Alexander Duncan, a GOP leader, sparked outrage after commenting on a video of the Sri Ashtalakshmi Temple in Sugar Land, Texas.
Provocative Comments Target Hindu Temple
Duncan reacted to a video showcasing the beauty of the Sri Ashtalakshmi Temple, where the creator expressed feeling transported to India. In a social media post, Duncan declared, "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." He cited a verse from the Bible's Book of Exodus to justify his stance.
This incident is not an isolated one for Duncan. He has a history of making provocative statements against Hindu beliefs. Previously, he faced severe backlash for referring to Lord Hanuman as a 'false god' and condemning the installation of a 90-foot-tall Hanuman statue in Texas.
Viral Backlash and Political Warnings
Duncan's latest post quickly went viral, with many social media users amplifying his rhetoric by labeling Hindu practices as 'evil' and criticizing Texas Governor Greg Abbott. The controversy also fueled speculative discussions, with some users suggesting that Ohio could face a similar situation if Hindu Indian-American entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy were to become its governor.
The response from the Indian-American community was swift and pointed. An entrepreneur named Ram Prasad publicly called out Duncan's bigotry, linking it directly to political consequences. "Thankfully Gov Abbott is not a bigot & bible is not the United States Constitution," Prasad wrote. He highlighted the community's growing demographic and economic clout, noting that the Hindu American population in Texas is projected to reach one million in a few years. He warned that such intolerance would only drive the community's substantial financial contributions and votes toward the Democratic Party.
The Growing Influence of the Indian Diaspora
The controversy underscores the significant and expanding presence of the Indian community in the United States, particularly in states like Texas. According to Pew Research data, the Indian-American population stands at approximately 4.9 million nationwide.
Texas is home to an estimated 570,000 Indian-Americans, making it the state with the second-largest Indian population after California, which hosts about 960,000. The Dallas metropolitan area alone has an Indian population of around 270,000. Other major hubs include the New York, New Jersey, and Illinois metro areas.
This demographic, known for high voter turnout and a high median income, is becoming an increasingly influential bloc in American socio-political life. Incidents like the one involving Duncan highlight the challenges of religious pluralism and the potential political cost of alienating a prosperous and engaged community.
