A pirate gets set to wade into backwaters of politics

NEW DELHI: The Thiruvananthapuram seat in Kerala is set to see a "pirate" candidate, Goa-based techieturned-activist Praveen Ar imbrathodiyil, formally bringing the pirate movement into Indian politics.

Like other "pirate" collectives worldwide, this one too advocates direct democracy and digital rights.

The movement started in Sweden in 2006 when the Pirate Party contested national elections -copyrights, patents, and privacy issues their agenda. Along with direct democracy, net neutrality and free knowledge are the principles that define "pirate politics". The movement soon caught on with " Pirate Parties " springing up in over 60 countries campaigning for internet and data freedom.UK got its Pirate Party in 2010, Australia in 2013.

Following Iceland PM Sigmundur David Gunnlaugsson's resignation over revelations of his offshore accounts in the Panama Papers leak, the country's Pirate Party is said to be leading the popularity polls. Indian Pirates currently has 90 persons in its discussion group and seven permanent members. Speaking to TOI over phone, Arimbrathodiyil, a Palakkad native, says he realises how small the outfit is. But the effort, he feels, is an important one. "We want to talk about Aadhaar and related privacy issues, focusing on digital rights, social justice, and direct democracy, "he says.

Although his father is active in CPM, he was never involved in politics. But studying at NIT Calicut, he was influenced by his internet activist friend Anivar Aravind. " Andwhen the Anna Hazare movement was at its peak, I realised people will support you if you're genuine," Praveen who took part in the move ment, later wrote in a blog.

Praveen will launch his campaign from April 23 and is looking forward to drive home the Pirate Party message. "It'll be difficult to communicate these things to nondigitally literate people. But we have volunteers. We'll publish posters, pamphlets alongside the social media campaigning," he says.