Texas Hanuman Statue Row Grows After YouTuber Calls for Its Removal

The Texas Hanuman statue has become the focus of a religious and political dispute after conservative YouTuber Jesse Hughes called for the removal of the 90-foot monument in Sugar Land, Texas. His post has drawn criticism from Hindu groups, community members and a US Army veteran.

The Statue of Union is located at the Sri Ashtalakshmi Temple in Sugar Land. It was consecrated in August 2024 and depicts Lord Hanuman.

The newest issue erupted after Hughes posted a photo of the statue on social media. He commented, “Btw, when we win, we are tearing this down,” but did not specify what he meant by “win.”

Ruchir Bakshi, a Hindu American and US Army veteran, promptly responded to the comment. Bakshi stated that destroying or harming a Hindu house of worship due to religious differences would violate the values he serves to uphold.

Bakshi also questioned the idea of attacking Hindu temples as part of a political victory. His remarks were supported by the Coalition of Hindus of North America (CoHNA) and Carl Wheless, a Texas-based Army veteran and political commentator.

Texas Hanuman statue becomes part of wider Texas debate

The disagreement occurs as Texas politics has experienced renewed debates about immigration, racism, religion, and cultural identity ahead of the November midterm elections.

Texas has a sizable Indian-American community, and recent political controversies have brought South Asian Americans to the forefront. One such controversy was Bo French, the Republican contender for Texas Railroad Commissioner.

French received fire for tweeting a photo of South Asian students enjoying a University of Texas football victory. He questioned the presence of people he referred to as foreigners, claiming that Americans were being displaced.

The post was criticised by both Republicans and Democrats. US Senator John Cornyn blasted French’s statements, while other Texas Republicans spoke out against the post.

The University of Texas scandal has fuelled a broader debate about race and identity in the state. Students also attacked French’s remarks, claiming they were insulting and predicated on assumptions about their heritage.

Political tensions add to statue controversy

The Texas Hanuman statue controversy is now playing out alongside these larger political debates. The scandal has sparked debate over religious freedom and the treatment of Hindu Americans during an already contentious election season.

The Texas Senate campaign, which pits Democrat James Talarico against Republican Ken Paxton, is also generating national attention. Greg Abbott, a Republican, is running for re-election.

For the time being, the statue is still located at the Sri Ashtalakshmi Temple. The current debate revolves around Hughes’ desire for its removal, as well as the reaction of Hindu Americans and their allies.