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Texas Republican faces criticism over ‘no temple’ remark
The remark drew an online response from an entrepreneur who warned of possible political consequences in Texas.
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Malvika Choudhary - Mon, 12, Jan 2026
- 17:00 EST
- 18
Alexander Duncan/ Sri Ashtalakshmi Temple in Sugar Land / X (Alexander Dunca)
A Texas Republican faced backlash on social media following remarks that a Hindu temple “does not belong in Texas.”
Alexander Duncan, a Republican candidate for the U.S. Senate, made the remarks in response to a video circulating on social media that showed the Sri Ashtalakshmi Temple in Sugar Land, commending its architecture and describing it as beautiful and reminiscent of India.
“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,’” Duncan wrote on X, quoting Exodus 20:3.
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
While the video initially drew positive attention, the discussion shifted after Duncan commented on the post.
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The post drew a response from entrepreneur Ram Prasad, who said the remarks could have political consequences in a state with a rapidly growing Hindu population.
“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.”
Duncan has previously drawn attention for similar 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, a project that has also drawn protests from some Christian groups.
Texas is home to one of the largest Indian-origin populations in the United States, with an estimated 570,000 residents of Indian origin.
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