Congress’ Mekedatu rally has triggered a war of words with the ruling BJP. The 10-day walkathon, which was launched in Sangama on January 9, saw thousands participate amid rising COVID-19 cases in Karnataka. The Congress has been accused of violating COVID-19 protocols even as state party chief DK Shivakumar refused to take a COVID-19 test. This has turned into a theatre of the absurd.