RC Paudel has hardly ever been accused of corruption. He was put under house arrest or some sort during the Gyanendra Coup and he wrote quite a strong article (which I liked very much and so did a lot of other people) against the Royal movement. But he has not stood on this same ground all the time and thus this lote-pote (waffler) characteristics are visible. I don't think RC Paudel has lot of chance to head the NC after Girija's demise, his leadership is always a suspect. Sushil Koirala, on the other hand has lots of similarities to Girija, that is, he is rigid and very protective of people under his wing. Paduel did have opportunity after the demise of Shailaja, Tara Bhat and so on. But due to his inconsistencies (on various issues within the party), he is farther behind Sushil Koirala. I think even the NC and NC(D) reuinte, Deuba will always be the person that split the party and have difficulty holding everyone together. I think the core values of NC is kept by Sushil Koirala (he was the choice for DPM from Congress, but UML's play got Paudel the chance).