Washington DC/IBNS, Sept. 22 -- A social media post by YouTuber and MAGA activist Jesse Hughes calling for the removal of a 90-foot statue of Lord Hanuman in Texas has sparked a backlash among Hindu Americans and others who have criticised the remarks as a threat to religious freedom.

The controversy centres on the Statue of Union, a 90-foot statue of Lord Hanuman at the Sri Ashtalakshmi Temple in Sugar Land, Texas.

The statue was unveiled in August 2024 and is described by the temple as the tallest statue of Lord Hanuman in North America.

His post did not specify what he meant by "when we win".

The remark has nevertheless triggered criticism online, with the controversy emerging ahead of the 2026 US midterm elections.

The statue has...