Live reporting: Rahul Gandhi quotes Sardar Patel to lash out at RSS in Dharamshala rally

2:24 pm: Rahul: I told the ex-servicemen that they need not thank me, rather I should thank them because they gave their lives for the nation.

This decision will benefit 23 lakh ex-servicemen. Rahul Gandhi only raised your issue, it was the PM and Soniaji who implemented it.  I thank both of them too.

2:23 pm: Rahul: I spoke to ex-servicemen for nearly an hour. They told me about their problems. I thank the ex-servicemen who gave their life and blood for the nation.

The ex-servicemen told me they have been asking for one rank, one pension for the last 25 years. Today, they thanked me for accepting their demand.

2:20 pm: Rahul Gandhi starts speech. Describes Dharmashal as a beautiful place.  Crowd claps in approval.

12 noon: Congress leaders at the rally venue say their meeting with Rahul Gandhi will be a closed door one.